Boone, Daniel (1734-1820) American pioneer, frontiersman, and folk hero. He is famous for exploring and settling present-day Kentucky. In 1778, he blazed the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap and founded Boonesborough, one of the first English-speaking settlements beyond the Appalachian Mountains. During the American Revolution, Boone was a militia officer. He fought in the Battle of Blue Licks, which took place on August 19, 1782, and was one of the final battles of the war.
Autograph Document Signed as Lt. Col., one page, 8¼ x 3½ inches, n.p., n.d. (payment for the horse lost in battle is noted on verso as being made on Aug 24, 1784). Boone writes: "The subscrd. being duly sworn to appraise a Bay horse four years old Branded on the Near shoulder & Buttock J.S. the Property of John Litle taken & lost in the late action at the Blue Licks commanded by Colo. Jno. Todd where by the P… was necessitated to return afoot do value the same to be worth Eight Pounds Virg.a Currency. I do Certify that the above Presby Anderson mentioned horse was Rode out by Charles Rice--order of Col John Todd and was Lost. Daniel Boone CLt."
The document is double framed to show both sides; the verso notes payment to John Little for eight pounds. Matted with a story titled "The Pioneers of Kentucky" and framed to an overall size of 23 x 20½ inches. The story appeared in the October 1862 issue of Harper's New Monthly Magazine and describes the Battle of Blue Licks and Daniel Boone's part in it. Fine. Point of historical interest: Colonel John Todd was killed at Blue Licks but his brother, Major General Levi Todd, recovered from wounds he received in the battle and went on to become the grandfather of Mary Todd Lincoln.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
Ex: a member of the Todd family.
Colonial and Revolutionary America
