They had passed laws, made treaties, levied taxes, recorded deeds, and solemnized marriages.

In short, they had performed all the functions of civil government, and Franklin had assumed in all respects the position of an independent commonwealth.
Feuds of the Two Parties.
But in the spring of 1786 the discontent which had smouldered burst into a flame.

Tipton and his followers openly espoused the cause of North Carolina, and were joined, as time waned, by the men who for various reasons were dissatisfied with the results of the trial of independent statehood.

They held elections, at the Sycamore Shoals and elsewhere, to choose representatives to the North Carolina Legislature, John Tipton being elected Senator.

They organized the entire local government over again in the interest of the old State.
The two rival governments clashed in every way.