John Hanson

John Hanson was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Maryland and became a member of the State house of delegates. He also served as a member of the State senate (1757-1773). In 1774 he was a delegate to the General Congress at Annapolis. He held the office of treasurer of Frederick County in 1775 and was elected a member of the Maryland convention in 1775. In 1780-1782, Hanson was a member of the Continental Congress 1780-1782 and was one of the signers of the Articles of Confederation. He was chosen president of the Congress by an unanimous vote on 5 Nov 1781.

Following the surrender at Yorktown (19 Oct 1781) the British started to withdraw their troops from North Carolina and Georgia. After the House of Commons in England voted against further war in America, peace talks began in Paris (12 Apr 1782). As a result of negotiations conducted by John Adams, the Netherlands recognized the United States (19 Apr 1782). A number of Indian raids on American settlements in 1782 resulted in retaliation attacks in the Ohio territory. [1; 2]