Sevier, their darling leader, was among them, and to him they gave the command.
Joseph Martin Tries to Keep the Peace.
Another frontier leader and Indian fighter of note was at this time living among the Cherokees.

He was Joseph Martin, who had dwelt much among the Indians, and had great influence over them, as he always treated them justly; though he had shown in more than one campaign that he could handle them in war as well as in peace.

Early in 1788, he had been appointed by North Carolina Brigadier-General of the western counties lying beyond the mountains.

In the military organization, which was really the most important side of the Government to the frontiersmen, this was the chief position; and Martin's duties were not only to protect the border against Indian raids, but also to stamp out any smouldering embers of insurrection, and see that the laws of the State were again put in operation.
In April he took command, and on the 24th of the mouth reached the lower settlements on the Holston River.

[Footnote: State Dept.MSS., No.