Nolichucky Jack was presently holding a court of
his own in the tavern, with North Carolina's men at arms--as many
as were within call--drinking his health. So his sons and a
company of his Wataugans found him, when they rode into
Morgantown to give evidence in his behalf--with their rifles.
Since none now disputed the way with him, Sevier turned homeward
with his cavalcade, McDowell and his men accompanying him as far
as the pass in the hills.
* Statement by John Sevier, Junior, in the Draper MSS., quoted by
Turner, "Life of General John Sevier," p. 182.
No further attempt was made to try John Sevier for treason,
either west or east of the mountains. In November, however, the
Assembly passed the Pardon Act, and thereby granted absolution to
every one who had been associated with the State of Franklin,
EXCEPT JOHN SEVIER. In a clause said to have been introduced by
Tipton, now a senator, or suggested by him, John Sevier was
debarred forever from "the enjoyment of any office of profit or
honor or trust in the State of North Carolina."
The overhill men in Greene County took due note of the Assembly's
fiat and at the next election sent Sevier to the North Carolina
Senate. Nolichucky Jack, whose demeanor was never so decorous as
when the illconsidered actions of those in authority had made him
appear to have circumvented the law, considerately waited outside
until the House had lifted the ban--which it did perforce and by
a large majority, despite Tipton's opposition--and then took his
seat on the senatorial bench beside his enemy.
Pages:
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238