James Robertson and John Sevier, it is believed, were also members of this court.

To James Robertson who, with the assistance of his colleagues, devised this primitive type of frontier rule--a true commission form of government, on the "Watauga Plan"-- is justly due distinctive recognition for this notable inauguration of the independent democracy of the Old Southwest.

The Watauga settlement was animated by a spirit of deepest loyalty to the American cause.

In a memorable petition these hardy settlers requested the Provincial Council of North Carolina not to regard them as a "lawless mob," but to "annex" them to North Carolina without delay.

"This committee (willing to become a party in the present unhappy contest)", states the petition, which must have been drafted about July 15, 1776, "resolved (which is now on our records), to adhere strictly to the rules and orders of the Continental Congress, and in open committee acknowledged themselves indebted to the united colonies their full proportion of the Continental expense." While these disputes as to the government of the new communities were in progress an additional danger threatened the pioneers.
For a whole year the British had been plying the various Indian tribes from the lakes to the gulf with presents, supplies, and ammunition.