the rivalry between sevier and tipton climaxed in late february 1788 in an incident known as the "battle of franklin." while sevier was away campaigning against the cherokee, tipton ordered some of sevier's slaves to be seized for taxes supposedly owed to north carolina. when sevier learned of what had occurred, he led around 150 militia to tipton's farm and demanded he return the slaves. tipton refused, and gunfire was briefly exchanged as sevier's forces surrounded tipton's house. two days after the siege began, a sullivan county militia loyal to north carolina arrived on the scene and scattered sevier's forces. two of sevier's sons were captured, and tipton initially demanded they be hanged. he was persuaded to release them. following this engagement, the state of franklin movement largely collapsed.