The Court-Martial of Daniel Boone

by Allan W. Eckert • 1973

Based on a true but little known episode in Daniel Boone's life, Allan Eckert's first full-length novel re-creates the legendary frontiersman's severest test - the trial for his life at Boonesborough in 1778. A captain during the Revolutionary War, Boone faces court-martial and hanging for such high crimes as betraying his command to the Indians, conspiring to surrender Boonesborough, consorting with the enemy, and accepting favors from the British. And Boone pleads guilty to all of the actions detailed in the charges against him. But he also pleads not guilty to the charge of treason, and to the amazement of the court, he insists on defending himself - disregarding the advice of experienced counsel in favor of a plan only he himself knows. Strong, seemingly irrefutable evidence is added to the prosecution's case with each witness. To a man, they corroborate the capture of Boone and his company by Shawnee Indians, Boone's preferential treatment in the Indian camp.