cument. As showing the quality
of these first western statemakers, two paragraphs are quoted:

"Finding ourselves on the frontiers, and being apprehensive that
for want of proper legislature we might become a shelter for such as
endeavored to defraud their creditors; considering also the necessity of
recording deeds, wills, and doing other public business; we, by consent
of the people, formed a court for the purposes above mentioned, taking,
by desire of our constituents, the Virginia laws for our guide, so
near as the situation of affairs would permit. This was intended for
ourselves, and WAS DONE BY CONSENT OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL."

The petition goes on to state that, among their measures for upholding
law, the Wataugans had enlisted "a company of fine riflemen" and put
them under command of "Captain James Robertson."

"We... thought proper to station them on our frontiers in defense of the
common cause, at the expense and risque of our own private fortunes,
till farther public orders, which we flatter ourselves will give no
offense.... We pray your mature and deliberate consideration in our
behalf, that you may annex us to your Province (whether as county,
district, or other division) in such manner as may enable us to share in
the glorious cause of Liberty: enforce our laws under authority and in
every respect become the best members of society; and for ourselves
and our constituents we hope we may venture to assure you that we shall
adhere strictly to your determinations, and that nothing will be lacking
or anything neglected that may add weight (in the civil or military
establishments) to the glorious cause in which we are now struggling, or
contribute to the welfare of our own or ages yet to come."

One hundred and thirteen names are signed to the document. In the
following year (1777) North Carolina erected her overhill territory
into Washington County. The Governor appointed justices of the peace and
militia officers who in the following year organized the new county and
its courts. And so Watauga's independent government, begun in the spirit
of true liberty, came as lawfully to its end.

But for nearly three years before their political status was thus
determined, the Wataugans were sharing "in the glorious cause of
Liberty" by defending their settlements against Indian attacks. While
the majority of the young Cherokee warriors were among their enemies,
their chief battles were fought with those from the Chic