Lloyd P. Smith and Frederick Collins, of Philadelphia, visited the region in March, 1864, upon a benevolent errand. In their published report of the visit they said: “The existing war is clearly destined to introduce Northern men, Northern ideas and Northern enterprise into the border States, and, as our military lines advance, throughout the whole South.... East Tennessee, with its fertile lands, its rich mines and valuable water-power, presents a fine field for the application of Northern labor and capital; and when this calamity is overpast, and a direct railroad communication with the North is secured, it will prosper as never before. Especially will this be the case when the incubus of slavery is thrown off.” These words are now in a measure fulfilled prophecy. Topographically, East Tennessee is at the very heart of the Atlantic States. It has been observed that “Knoxville is the exact-geographical center of the eastern half of the United States: the corners of the eastern half being Eastport in Maine, Key West in Florida, the mouth of the Rio Grande in Texas, and a point in Lake Superior on the northwest boundary (water or lake) line of Michigan. The point is north of Isle Royal in the lake. The opposite sides of the figure formed by lines drawn from and to these corners are respectively parallel and equal, and its diagonals intersect at Knoxville. The more exact the map, the more exactly is Knoxville found to be at the point of intersection.”[11] THE LOYAL MOUNTAINEERS OF TENNESSEE. CHAPTER I. EARLY HISTORY--THE FRONTIER--PATRIOTIC SPIRIT--CALL TO ARMS--MARCH TO BATTLE. “Men who their duties know, But know their rights, and knowing, dare maintain; * * * * * These constitute a State.” SIR WILLIAM JONES. The hardy and brave settlers on the Watauga, Holston and Nolachucky rivers, among lofty mountains, dwelt in such peace as their savage neighbors permitted, and in contentment with their great distance from the busy world. Having leased the territory from the Indians, they proceeded to organize the FIRST REPUBLIC EVER FORMED IN AMERICA. There was no established government of any kind within their reach, whose protection they could enjoy while they owned its authority. Therefore, under the pressure of a civil necessity, they met in convention, entered into a written association, prescribed laws and elected commissioners for the administration of justice and the conduct of public affairs. Their commonwealth existed for several years.