The attempt of these men to pursue their lawlessness in Watauga was one reason why the Wataugans organized a government.
When the line was run between Virginia and North Carolina beyond the mountains, Watauga was discovered to be south of Virginia's limits and hence on Indian lands.

This was in conflict with the King's Proclamation, and Alexander Cameron, British agent to the Cherokees, accordingly ordered the encroaching settlers to depart.

The Indians, however, desired them to remain.

But since it was illegal to purchase Indian lands, Robertson negotiated a lease for ten years.

In 1775, when Henderson made his purchase from the Cherokees, at Sycamore Shoals on the Watauga, Robertson and Sevier, who were present at the sale with other Watauga commissioners, followed Henderson's example and bought outright the lands they desired to include in Watauga's domain.