Robertson was elected chairman of the Court, and colonel of the militia, being thus made both civil and military commandant of the settlement.

In common with the other Triers he undertook the solemnization of marriages; and these were always held legal, which was fortunate, as it was a young and vigorous community, of which the members were much given to early wedlock.
Thus a little commonwealth, a self-governing state, was created.

It was an absolute democracy, the majority of freemen of full age in each stockade having power in every respect, and being able not only to elect, but to dismiss their delegates at any moment.

Their own good sense and a feeling of fair play could be depended upon to protect the rights of the minority, especially as a minority of such men would certainly not tolerate any thing even remotely resembling tyranny.

They had formed a representative government in which the legislative and judicial functions were not separated, and were even to a large extent combined with the executive.