There were no legally appointed officers of justice, no organized laws.

Every man did what was pleasing in his own sight.

There was no collecting of debts, no redress for violence, no punishment for cheating or theft.
Under these circumstances, there was a general gathering of the well-disposed inhabitants of the cabins scattered around, to adopt some measures for their mutual protection.

Several men were appointed justices of peace, with a set of resolute young men, as constables, to execute their commissions.

These justices were invested with almost dictatorial power.