Peace discussions between the Americans and the British opened in Paris in April 1782. Richard Oswald, a wealthy merchant, represented the British government. The statesmen Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay negotiated for the United States.

The surrender of General Charles Cornwallis to General Washington at Yorktown had effectively ended the American Revolutionary War but it did not stop all fighting. Battles continued to erupt in isolated spots without major casualties but in Britain and, in the United States capital of Philadelphia, it was considered as ended.

The Congress instructed the American delegates to consult with the French before they took any action but the Americans disregarded the instructions and concluded a preliminary peace treaty with Great Britain on Nov. 30, 1782.