[Non-Sequitur]

Indeed they were States outside of the Union.

When?

Counties and other municipal corporations were created by the States; but the States were not created by the United States, as the States existed as independent sovereignties before even the Union was formed.

When?

Under the Articles of Confederation each State retained its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, not expressly delegated to the United States.

When did they have the power to declare war or conduct relations with foreign countries or any of the acts that other sovereign entities could do?

Before the new Constitution was adopted, she (Virginia) had as much right to treat and agree as any European government had.

Justice Catron apparently had never read the Articles of Confederation.

[Idabilly]

Virginia declared their own independence two months earlier than the joint resolution. This was in May. So, they were in fact Independent and still are today, despite your hero's deeds or yours today.

Furthermore, the States delegated they never surrendered certain limited enumerated powers to their agent, the General Government. The States and their people retained unlimited authority that Sovereignty provides . It goes without saying that being able to reform, or abolish or start anew would be some, but not all of the powers reserved.

[Idabilly]

So sport, either the Colonies acted independently or in unison. Which is it?