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The Court-Martial of Daniel Boone
Based on a true but little known episode in Daniel Boone's lide, 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 corraborate the capture of Boone and his company by Shawnee Indians, Boone's preferential treatment in the Indian camp.
309 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
About the author
Allan W. Eckert
84 books298 followersAllan W. Eckert was an American historian, historical novelist, and naturalist.
Eckert was born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in the Chicago, Illinois area, but had been a long-time resident of Bellefontaine, Ohio, near where he attended college. As a young man, he hitch-hiked around the United States, living off the land and learning about wildlife. He began writing about nature and American history at the age of thirteen, eventually becoming an author of numerous books for children and adults. His children's novel, Incident at Hawk's Hill, was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal in 1972. One of his novels tells how the great auk went extinct.
In addition to his novels, he also wrote several unproduced screenplays and more than 225 Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom television shows for which he received an Emmy Award.
In a 1999 poll conducted by the Ohioana Library Association, jointly with Toni Morrison, Allan W. Eckert was voted "Favorite Ohio Writer of All Time."
Eckert died in his sleep on July 7, 2011, in Corona, California, at the age of 80.
Eckert was born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in the Chicago, Illinois area, but had been a long-time resident of Bellefontaine, Ohio, near where he attended college. As a young man, he hitch-hiked around the United States, living off the land and learning about wildlife. He began writing about nature and American history at the age of thirteen, eventually becoming an author of numerous books for children and adults. His children's novel, Incident at Hawk's Hill, was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal in 1972. One of his novels tells how the great auk went extinct.
In addition to his novels, he also wrote several unproduced screenplays and more than 225 Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom television shows for which he received an Emmy Award.
In a 1999 poll conducted by the Ohioana Library Association, jointly with Toni Morrison, Allan W. Eckert was voted "Favorite Ohio Writer of All Time."
Eckert died in his sleep on July 7, 2011, in Corona, California, at the age of 80.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 27, 2012
This book was excellent. If you haven't read Allan Eckert, you should. His work is historically accurate and highly entertaining.
This book deals with the little known court-martial of Daniel Boone in 1778 in Boonesborough, KY. Eckert weaves a gripping tale of the events leading up to the court-martial by means of the testimony of the witnesses during the trial. It is well written and well researched, as all of Eckert's books are. This is a great place to start with Eckert, because this is a shorter and easier read than most of his works.
This book deals with the little known court-martial of Daniel Boone in 1778 in Boonesborough, KY. Eckert weaves a gripping tale of the events leading up to the court-martial by means of the testimony of the witnesses during the trial. It is well written and well researched, as all of Eckert's books are. This is a great place to start with Eckert, because this is a shorter and easier read than most of his works.
May 16, 2019
A really, really good read! I've always been a Daniel Boone fan (thanks to the t.v. show), and this was a good story about a real event. In 1778 Daniel Boone was court-martialed for treason. The book covers the proceedings from start to finish, other than being a little slow as it starts out, it moves along at a nice clip all the way to the end. While the official records from the court martial were lost, the author did use people's letters and diaries as well as other reliable sources to tell the story. It's a fascinating look at a little known historic event. I highly recommend it.
August 17, 2016
I am big fan on Eckert. I have never read a book of his I haven't loved. This book focuses on a small chapter of Daniel Boone's life. Some might be familiar with his assisting the Shawnees to capture a group of salt makers at Blue Licks,
This book addresses the aftermath of his actions. Many of the men who once saw him as a larger than life hero began to see him as a traitor.
Anyone who has interest in Appalachia, Kentucky or history will find this book a worthy read.
This book addresses the aftermath of his actions. Many of the men who once saw him as a larger than life hero began to see him as a traitor.
Anyone who has interest in Appalachia, Kentucky or history will find this book a worthy read.
March 28, 2012
It was a fascinating read, a seminal point in the new nations legal system and of course what's not to love about Daniel Boone.
December 15, 2015
Great historical fiction book. Very nice read. Recommended
July 22, 2025
This book tells the story of Daniel Boone's life from his capture by Shawnee Indians to the siege of Boonesborough. Several people charged Boone with treason for his actions during this time and so Daniel Boone was courtmartialed for treason. This historical novelization of the trial was very interesting. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone interested in early American history.
March 8, 2021
Excellent read. The book was engaging from the beginning, but when Captain Boone begins his defense, I didn't want to put it down.
This was my second Eckert read (The Frontiersmen), and I've enjoyed both.
Recommended.
This was my second Eckert read (The Frontiersmen), and I've enjoyed both.
Recommended.
September 3, 2020
Phenomenally well written. Couldn't put it down. Having already read The Frontiersmen and Johny Logan the names and places were already familiar. I made for a thoroughly riveting read.
April 4, 2013
Not your traditional piece of historical fiction
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 Boonesborough 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...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
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 Boonesborough 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...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
March 13, 2010
4.5 stars
To my surprise, this story sucked me in immediately. It's a historical novel based on facts known about the 1778 court-martial of Daniel Boone. Daniel agrees that he did all the things he was accused of but maintains that he is not guilty of treason. Even though the entire story takes place in the court room, it's a fascinating true story. I was so anxious to get to the end that I read it too quickly and will have to read it again to absorb the details.
To my surprise, this story sucked me in immediately. It's a historical novel based on facts known about the 1778 court-martial of Daniel Boone. Daniel agrees that he did all the things he was accused of but maintains that he is not guilty of treason. Even though the entire story takes place in the court room, it's a fascinating true story. I was so anxious to get to the end that I read it too quickly and will have to read it again to absorb the details.
March 5, 2014
Had such a good time with this book.I was in middle school and saw it, had to read it.
March 19, 2014
If you love Boone this is a book for you.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews