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Court-Martial of Daniel Boone

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This is Allan Eckert's novelization of the little-known incident of the military court-martial of that famous Kentucky frontiersman, Daniel Boone. Boone was a legend in his own time, a well respected hunter and frontier soldier and was said to be as able in the woods as any Indian.

In February 1778, Boone has been leading a party of 27 men from Fort Boonesboro who were captured by Shawnee Indians while making salt at the Blue Licks. Boone was adopted into the tribe and given the Shawnee name Sheltowee (Big Turtle) and spent several months living and hunting among the Indians before finally escaping back to Booneboro just in time to help fend off a siege of the isolated fort by the British and Indians. After the battle, Boone was accused of treason and complicity with the enemy by several of his enemies, especially Col. John Bowman, who served as prosecutor in the court martial proceedings against him. Boone shows that he can be as sly and sharp in the courtroom as he is in the wilderness.

Most people know only the myths and legends about Daniel Boone and this book does a great service by providing insight into the reality of the man, as well as presenting an intersting and riveting true story.

For most of us, our knowledge of Daniel Boone begins and ends with Fess Parker's t.v. shows in the 1960's. Allan Eckert's book, The Court Martial of Daniel Boone, is based on actual facts, but is written in a captivating novel style. I found the book to be fascinating. In modern times Daniel Boone is thought of as a frontier hero. In his day, however, there were many people who were suspicious and resentful of him. Boone's court martial is an example of how an honest man, doing the right thing, can be "bushwacked" by not-so-honest rivals. If you like true stories about American frontiersmen, this book is for you.

As a novel it was very entertaining, but it is just that: a novel. My gr-gr-gr-gr-gr grandfather (Richard Wade) and two of his wife's brothers (Stephen and William Hancock) were members of the salt-making party whose capture in early 1778 led to the treason charges placed against Boone. Many of the salt-makers felt that Boone was a traitor for surrendering them to the Shawnee without a fight.
William Hancock testified against Boone at the court martial. In this novel Hancock is portrayed as a liar, a fool, and a wanted thief in NY and Boston. This does not set well with me, since William Hancock was actually from Goochland Co., Va. He was a volunteer in the Revolutionary Army, a husband and father, and a life-long friend of Boone's. Both Stephen and William Hancock forgave Boone and later followed him to Missouri. According to Jemima Boone, as old men the three often sat on the porch, smoking their pipes, and argueing over whether Daniel had done the right thing. The Hancocks reckoned that they might have done the same thing, but were still angry that they never had a chance to fight.
Another salt-maker,Andrew Johnson,is similarly dealt with. Since Eckert invented other characters, I see no reason why he should assassinate the characters of actual men who endured great hardship in the defense of Boonesborough.
A good read, but do not take this as history. It is based on the known facts, but 90% is pure fiction.

I received my book inexcellent packing and very promptly. Thanks for a good job. The book, of course, was a must read. Allen Eckert writes about this era with a special feeling.patj

A very enjoyable, informative, and entertaining book to read.

Hmmmm, I guess that sums it up pretty well.

Nominated for seven Pulitzer Prizes in literature, Allan W. Eckert brings us the little-known true story of Daniel Boone's court martial in Kentucky during the American Revolution.

The bare facts are that Boone and a great portion of the fighting men from Boonsborough were captured by Shawnee raiders who took all of them back into modern day Ohio and eventually some were taken to Detroit to meet with the British Lt. Governor Henry Hamilton, known as the "Hair Buyer" for his policy of buying scalps of settlers.


Boone behaved so strangely during this entire episode that when he finally escaped the Shawnee he was brought up on charges and court martialed.

The Court-Martial of Daniel Boone narrates the court martial and not the actual events. Eckert tells the story much like a modern courtroom drama. Boone had an unorthodox defense style that allows the prosecution to lay out their entire argument and puts Boone in the worst possible light. Of course, Boone would not be the celebrated figure he is today if here were found guilty so the outcome is never really in doubt. But, Eckert does allow a great deal of tension to build in the form of indignation on the part of the reader.

An enjoyable piece of historical fiction

One of my favorites! Allan W. Eckert is one of best researchers in America! The author leaves no stone unturned in defining the moments of this little known event in history (Boone's Court Martial).
This novel is the basis for Allan W. Eckert's Outdoor Drama: Daniel Boone (in Harrodsburg, Kentucky).

Although this is based on a true story, much of the story of Daniel Boone's courtmartial told in this book is fiction. The history of the events surrounding Boone's courtmartial is very interesting and is surely worth telling. Although the author is very talented in writing historical fiction, this was not one of his best. Maybe it was the courtroom drama re-enactment that was not that interesting to me. In my opinion, the author's other works such as The Frontiersmen, Wilderness Empire, and The Conquerors were much better. Regardless, this is still a good read, especially if you are a fan of the history of the early American frontier.

Interesting read. Not riveting as some of Eckert's other novels.But, still interesting.

I have read almost all of Eckert's books, and find him to be an honest writer, telling his readers if his works are fact or, in many cases, historical fiction. This particular book is absolutely spell-binding. I could not put it down once I began, and I have now read it one more time. Two times for any book is very rare for me!

I highly recommend this book...