“Blue Ridge,” and selected locations on the head-waters of the Yadkin and Catawba rivers.  In 1734, Gabriel Johnston was appointed Governor of North Carolina.  He was a Scotchman by birth, a man of letters and of liberal views.  He was by profession a physician, and held the appointment of Professor of Oriental Languages in the University of Saint Andrews.  His addresses to the Legislature show that he fully appreciated the lamentable condition of the colony through the imprudence and vicious conduct of his predecessor (Burrington) and his earnest desire to promote the welfare of the people.  Under his prudent administration, the province increased in population, wealth and happiness.  At the time of its purchase by the crown, its population did not exceed thirteen thousand; it was now upwards of forty five thousand.

In 1754, Arthur Dobbs was appointed Governor by the crown.  His administration of ten years presented a continued contest between himself and the Legislature on matters frivolous and unimportant.  His high-toned temper for royal prerogatives was sternly met by the indomitable resistance of the colonists.  The people were also much oppressed by Lord Granville’s agents, one of whom (Corbin) was seized and brought to Enfield, where he was compelled to give bond and security, produce his books, and disgorge his illegal fees.  But notwithstanding these internal commotions and unjust exactions, always met by the active resistance of the people, the colony continued to increase in power, and spread abroad its arms of native inherent protection.  During the entire administrations of Governors Johnston and Dobbs, commencing in 1734 and ending in 1765, a strong tide of emigration was setting into North Carolina from two opposite directions.  While one current from Pennsylvania passed down through Virginia, forming settlements in its course, another current met it from the South, and spread itself over the inviting lands and expansive domain of the Carolinas and Georgia.  Near the close of Governor Johnston’s administration (1750) numerous settlements had been made on the beautiful plateau of country between the Yadkin and Catawba rivers.  At this time, the Cherokee Indians, the most powerful of the Western tribes, still claimed the territory, as rightful “lords of the soil,” and were committing numerous depredations and occasional murders.  In 1756, Fort Dobbs about twenty miles West of Salisbury, was built for the protection of the small neighborhood of farmers and grazers around it.  Even the thriving colony of “Albemarle county” on the seaboard now felt its growing importance was beginning to call for “more room,” and seek new possessions in the interior, thus unconsciously fulfilling the truth of the poet’s prediction, “Westward the course of empire takes its way.”