They could assert
that they were not acting illegally, for in her first
constitution North Carolina had made provision for a State beyond
the mountains. And necessity compelled them to take steps for
their protection. Some of them, and Sevier was of the number,
doubted if Congress would accept the costly gift; and the
majority realized that during the twelve months which were
allowed for the decision they would have no protection from
either North Carolina or Congress and would not be able to
command their own resources.
In August, 1784, the delegates met at Jonesborough and passed
preliminary resolutions; and then adjourned to meet later in the
year. The news was soon disseminated through North Carolina and
the Assembly convened in October and hastily repealed the Cession
Act, voted to establish the District of Washington out of the
four counties, and sent word of the altered policy to Sevier,
with a commission for himself as Brigadier General. From the
steps of the improvised convention hall, before which the
delegates had gathered, Sevier read the Assembly's message and
advised his neighbors to proceed no further, since North Carolina
had of her own accord redressed all their grievances. But for
once Nolichucky Jack's followers refused to follow. The adventure
too greatly appealed.
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