In November, 1777, the assembly of North Carolina erected the District of Washington into Washington county, which included the whole of what is now the state of Tennessee. This was the first territorial division in the United States named in honor of George Washington. The Governor of North Carolina appointed justices of the peace and militia officers for this county, who, in February, 1778, met and took the oath of office, and organized the new county and its courts. Thereupon, the first “free and independent government” formed and put into operation in America was no more, the jurisdiction and authority of the five commissioners having, by their own consent and that of the people, been superseded by the newly appointed authorities. The first written instrument, paper or record authoritatively made in the organization of what is today the judicial, political, civil and military existence of the state of Tennessee, is in the office of the county clerk at Jonesboro, and is in the words and figures following: FEBRUARY COURT 1778 The oaths of the Justices of the peace melitia & for officers There Attestments, &c, Washington County, I A. B. do solemnly swear that as a Justice of the peace, and a Justice of the County Court of pleas, & Quarter Sessions in the County of Washington, in all articles in the Commission to me directed. I will do equal Right to the poor and to the Rich to the Best of my Judgment and according to the Law of the State. I will not privately or Openly by my-self or any other person, be of Council in any Quarrel, or Suit, depending Before me, and I will hold the County Court, and Quarter Sessions of my County, as the Statue in that case shall and may direct.