Daniel Boone Indian Scout 1948-08-16 General Braddock Meets Boone

Summary

Podcast Summary: Daniel Boone Indian Scout – General Braddock Meets Boone

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Daniel Boone Indian Scout 1948-08-16 General Braddock Meets Boone
• Release Date: January 30, 2025
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: This episode brings to life the thrilling adventures of Daniel Boone, an esteemed Indian scout, during America's Golden Age of Radio. Set against the backdrop of early American history, the story unfolds with intrigue, conflict, and heroism as Boone navigates military tensions and personal dilemmas.

---

1. Introduction to Daniel Boone and the Setting

The episode opens with a vivid narration that sets the historical and geographical context. Daniel Boone is portrayed as a legendary Indian scout navigating the tumultuous American frontier.

• Notable Quote (00:32):
  Narrator: "Against the stirring background of American history, out of America's flaming past and into your home tonight, blazing a trail of mystery and adventure. Daniel Boone, Indian Scout."

2. General Braddock’s Frustration and the Supply Crisis

Major General Edward Braddock, commander of His Britannic Majesty's army, is introduced as a beleaguered leader struggling with inadequate supplies for his campaign against the French at Fort Duquesne. His interactions with Colonel George Washington reveal the mounting tensions and logistical nightmares faced by the British forces.

• Notable Quote (01:40):
  General Braddock: "If you can secure me the supplies I require."

• Dialogue Insight (02:03):
  Braddock emphasizes the urgency of transporting 150 wagons laden with essential supplies, highlighting the precariousness of their military position.

3. Daniel Boone’s Capture and Moral Stand

Daniel Boone, a 21-year-old wagoner and blacksmith in Braddock’s army, becomes central to the conflict when he captures an Indian scout but refuses to kill him, defying Braddock's explicit orders.

• Notable Quote (05:59):
  Daniel Boone: "I guess you might say I like Indians too much, general."

• Conflict Escalation (06:39):
  Braddock condemns Boone’s refusal, ordering his execution for disobedience and insubordination.

4. Boone’s Encounter with Benjamin Franklin in the Guardhouse

In the guardhouse, Boone meets Benjamin Franklin, portrayed not as the historical statesman but as a colorful character named Longbow Billy. Their banter provides both comic relief and critical plot development, revealing Franklin's role in mediating Boone's predicament.

• Notable Quote (07:35):
  Benjamin Franklin: "You're no chicken, Gramps, whiskers or no whiskers."

5. The High-Stakes Mission: Transporting the Supplies

Franklin and Colonel Washington, recognizing Boone's exceptional skills as a woodsman and scout, propose a perilous mission: to escort the 150 wagons of supplies safely through the wilderness to support Braddock’s campaign. Success would not only avert Boone’s execution but also potentially alter the course of the military campaign.

• Notable Quote (09:20):
  Benjamin Franklin: "It's a problem for the colonies. And since you are colonials, I leave a solution to you."

• Tense Negotiation (11:14):
  Boone grapples with the immense risk, contemplating the life-threatening journey ahead:
  Daniel Boone: "Really? Longbow's probably right, colonel. There isn't a chance of getting those wagons through."

6. Boone’s Reluctant Acceptance and Conditions

Pressured by the dire circumstances, Boone agrees to undertake the mission on the condition that Longbow Billy accompanies him. This partnership underscores Boone’s reliance on trusted allies and foreshadows the teamwork essential for their survival.

• Notable Quote (12:25):
  Daniel Boone: "Longbow, Billy goes with me."

• Final Agreement (12:37):
  Boone consents to the mission, signaling his transformation from a defiant soldier to a heroic figure willing to risk everything for the greater good:
  Daniel Boone: "All right, Colonel Washington, we'll try it."

7. Conclusion and Cliffhanger

The episode concludes with Boone and Longbow Billy preparing for their treacherous journey, leaving listeners eager for the next installment. The narrator hints at the dangers and adventures that lie ahead, ensuring anticipation for future episodes.

• Closing Narration (13:13):
  Narrator: "Danger, and plenty of it lies ahead for Daniel Boone and Longbow Billy. Will their skill as woodsmen, their cunning as scouts bring those wagons and themselves through safely? Thrills, intense adventure await us tomorrow."

• Final Tease (13:39):
  Daniel Boone: "Gentlemen, you have just heard the first program of Daniel Boone, Indian Scout."

---

Key Themes and Insights

• Leadership and Obedience: The episode explores the tension between following orders and personal moral codes, epitomized by Boone’s refusal to kill an unarmed captive.

• Survival and Adaptability: Boone’s willingness to undertake the hazardous mission highlights the themes of survival, adaptability, and the critical role of skilled individuals in pivotal historical moments.

• Conflict Between Colonials and British Forces: The dialogue between Braddock and Washington underscores the logistical and interpersonal challenges within the British command structure during the colonial wars.

• Character Dynamics: The interactions between Boone, Franklin, Braddock, and Washington provide a rich tapestry of personalities, from Braddock’s frustration and authoritarianism to Franklin’s quirky wisdom and Boone’s integrity.

---

Conclusion

"Daniel Boone Indian Scout – General Braddock Meets Boone" masterfully blends historical context with dramatic storytelling, bringing to life the complexities of early American military campaigns and the individuals who shaped them. Through compelling dialogue, rich characterization, and suspenseful plot development, this episode offers listeners an immersive experience into the adventures of one of America's legendary frontiersmen.

Transcript

[Narrator]

In Cherokee, it's the Winga wick. It's new, it's Papukimis, it's horny. It's a cow pima cock. And in American, it's Daniel Boone, Indian scout.

Against the stirring background of American history, out of America's flaming past and into your home tonight, blazing a trail of mystery and adventure.

Daniel Boone, Indian Scout.

April 1755. Along a forest road, a white horse scalps swiftly a blur of white against the green, urged on by a young rider whose tricornet hat is jammed down over his club's hair, whose military cape screams behind him in the wind. Shortly, the forest path opens into a clearing on the Potomac River. The rider pulls his horse in canters past the tents of His Britannic Majesty's army, past log cabins and other rude dwellings, drawing rein at last before a house more spacious than the rest. The place is Fredericktown, Virginia. The house is the headquarters of Major General Edward Braddock of His Majesty's army. Leaping from his horse, the young man bounds up the steps of the porch into the house.

[General Edward Braddock]

And think me, Mr. Drexel, if my toleration pernicious business. Another day, another hour. Think me, I say. Sorry, Viper. Hello.

[Narrator]

Who's this?

[General Edward Braddock]

Why, Colonel Washington, as I breathe.

[Narrator]

General Braddock.

[General Edward Braddock]

Well, Colonel, you at least arrive when you say you will. Far more than I can say for the supplies your fellow Americans promised me. You know Mr. Franklin, do you?

[Narrator]

By name only. The name of Benjamin Franklin is notorious in Virginia.

[Colonel George Washington]

As you can see, General Braddock, I am not beloved in Virginia. That is because I am from Pennsylvania.

[General Edward Braddock]

Oh, seek me, man. I don't care where you're from. If you can secure me the supplies I require.

[Colonel George Washington]

I have already promised you the supplies, General. 150 wagons containing loaf, sugar, good green tea, chocolate, flour, raisins and spirits. The question seems to be, how are we to transport them here? Perhaps now that your aide, Colonel Washington has arrived, he can answer it where I have failed.

[Daniel Boone]

I can try.

[Narrator]

What is the problem, General?

[General Edward Braddock]

We need those supplies desperately, Colonel Washington, and quickly. If our advance against the French at Fort Duquesne is not to be slowed. Now, If I understand, Mr. Frankly, these wagons and an equivalent number of horses. I am right about the horses, am I not, Mr. Franklin?

[Colonel George Washington]

To transport the wagons without the horses, General, would be a problem I doubt even Colonel Washington could master.

[Narrator]

Eh?

[Benjamin Franklin]

Oh, oh, oh, yes. Quite, quite, quite.

[General Edward Braddock]

Windmill.

[Narrator]

Colonel.

[General Edward Braddock]

These wagons will be assembled at point near Philadelphia. The fly in the armor is this. Once these wagons leave Philadelphia for Fredericktown, Bossier is bound to hear it, he and his wolf's pack of Indian savages are certain to attack them.

[Narrator]

The answer seems simple enough, general. I should be happy to read a detachment.

[General Edward Braddock]

Martin, my clay.

[Narrator]

What?

[General Edward Braddock]

Seems we're not likely, Colonel Washington. The colonial promised that my supplies should be delivered to me here. And here they shall be delivered. By the colonials. I refuse absolutely to turn a hand to that account.

[Narrator]

But, general.

[General Edward Braddock]

Enough. I know what you must think, colonel Washington. That I am being foolishly obstinate, absurdly inflexible. But you, sir, have not been plagued as I've been these past weeks by the inefficiency of your fellow colonials. They found here nothing but this older wilderness. Not a single road to military transport. I've been constantly vexed by lack of men, Incessantly tormented by the lack of supplies. It was understood. Thoroughly understood. The thief. I should have that they should be waiting when I landed. Well, sir, they were not waiting when I landed, Nor have they arrived here, despite the promises. No, sir. I have had a valuable. Mr. Franklin may have the supplies, but I shall not stir one hand to bring them here nor one foot toward port Duquesne until they are brought here. It is a problem for the colonies. And since you are colonials, I leave a solution to you.

[Narrator]

I hardly know what to say, general.

[General Edward Braddock]

Hello.

[Narrator]

What's that? Some excitement without. Perhaps we'd best see.

[Colonel George Washington]

After you, Democratic.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Pio.

[General Edward Braddock]

I say.

[Daniel Boone]

Hmm. Someone bringing in a captive.

[Colonel George Washington]

A captive Indian at that eg.

[General Edward Braddock]

How long since we've been capturing red Indians?

[Daniel Boone]

Look there, general.

[Narrator]

He's prodding the redskin before him with a barrel and long rifle. Who is that man?

[General Edward Braddock]

I'd be b if I know.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Captain Democratic, sir.

[General Edward Braddock]

Tell that man to come here.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Difficult, general.

[General Edward Braddock]

Outsourced that gentleman tall as a. What are those trees over there?

[Narrator]

Pine trees, general.

[General Edward Braddock]

Oh, yes, yes, yes. Tall as a pine tree. Equally straight. What straight month prosperity he's wearing on his head that.

[Colonel George Washington]

That's a coon skin hat, general.

[General Edward Braddock]

You don't say. Monstrous.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Go ahead, sir.

[Narrator]

Here's the man, general.

[General Edward Braddock]

Ah, good. Now, what is your name, fellow?

[Daniel Boone]

Boone, General Daniel Boone.

[General Edward Braddock]

No native in these parts, I own.

[Daniel Boone]

I reckon not, General. I was born in Pennsylvania. I thought as much.

[Colonel George Washington]

You have the look of a Pennsylvanian.

[General Edward Braddock]

What do you then in this part of the colonies?

[Daniel Boone]

I'm a wagoner and blacksmith in your army, general.

[General Edward Braddock]

How's that again?

[Daniel Boone]

I said I'm a wagoner and a blacksmith in your army, sir.

[General Edward Braddock]

I don't think. I can't understand you, fellow. I assumed you could not be attached to his majesty's forces in as much as I gave express orders less than 48 hours ago that no red savage had come upon was to be taken alive.

[Benjamin Franklin]

You're quite sure you're a waggoner of this army?

[Daniel Boone]

Well, general, a musket ball hits better if it's shot straight. So I always like to get to the point. I am attached to your army, and it seems like I disobeyed orders in not shooting that redskin when I collared him spying on our camp.

[General Edward Braddock]

Spying?

[Daniel Boone]

Appears like it. He's an onondaga, and Bojo's got about 800 of them up at fort mccain.

[General Edward Braddock]

You seem knowledgeable as loading refectory. How is it, fellow, that you come upon a red savage spying upon our camp, and yet against my particular orders, you did not kill him?

[Daniel Boone]

I guess you might say I like indians too much, general.

[General Edward Braddock]

You like indians?

[Daniel Boone]

Well, yeah, general. They're people, you know, just like you and me.

[Narrator]

Indeed, fellow, I must say, if you'll allow me, general.

[General Edward Braddock]

You must say, sink me if you colonials are not the most influential.

[Narrator]

General, if you will permit.

[General Edward Braddock]

You will permit me, colonel, I will handle this matter in my own fashion. You, fellow general, you will now do what should have been done when first you encounter john the savage. You will shoot him, Sir. That is an order.

[Daniel Boone]

You mean you want me to shoot that indian in cold blood?

[General Edward Braddock]

You have heard the order correctly. Obey it.

[Daniel Boone]

I couldn't do that, general.

[General Edward Braddock]

You will do it, my friend will enjoy the consequences of your refusal at dawn tomorrow.

[Daniel Boone]

If you mean you intend to have me shot, general, I reckon that's the way it'll have to be. I've never killed a man that didn't try to kill me first, and I don't aim to start now.

[General Edward Braddock]

Insolence. Captain, seize off this very false. He is to be executed at dawn.

[Narrator]

His face flushed with BURGUNDY with anger, General Braddock turns and storms into his headquarters, followed by Colonel Washington and Mr. Benjamin Franklin, while Daniel Boone, age 21, a wagoner and britannic majesty's army and a man who will not obey a heartless order Is led off to the guardhouse in there.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Well, what'd they get you in here for, sonny?

[Daniel Boone]

Huh? Who are you, old timer?

[Benjamin Franklin]

Don't call me old timer.

[Daniel Boone]

Well, don't call me sonny.

[Benjamin Franklin]

You're young enough.

[Daniel Boone]

You're old enough.

[Benjamin Franklin]

That decided execution and no execution. I'm shaving off these whiskers before dawn.

[Daniel Boone]

Make me.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Look how powerful that old one I am.

[Daniel Boone]

You're no chicken, Gramps, Whiskers or no whiskers. Now stop that when you started it.

[Benjamin Franklin]

All right, all right. Le be.

[Daniel Boone]

Who are you? Boone's my name. Daniel Boone Boon Daniel.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Yeah.

[Daniel Boone]

I've hated you. You have?

[Benjamin Franklin]

Sure as my name is Longbow Billy.

[Daniel Boone]

Longbow Billy. You same. But I thought Longbow Billy was a young man. I am young. Dang, it splits me for an hour.

[Benjamin Franklin]

If I don't shave these whiskets all force enough they make me look a.

[Narrator]

Lot older than I am.

[Daniel Boone]

Well, Longbow, young or old, I'm proud to meet up with you.

[Benjamin Franklin]

You can put a double arity string in that one. Jenny. Best you pardon tandem proud to meet.

[Narrator]

Up with you too.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Have some butter candy.

[Daniel Boone]

Butter candy?

[Benjamin Franklin]

Make em a shell. Take some butter crop at the pan, add sugar, heat the whole mess of stir and it cools off. You got butter candy? Have some.

[Daniel Boone]

Well, thanks for holding here. Don't be.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Got to get rid of it. They're shooting me. In the morning they could have me with a bowstring. And if I'd give any of my butter candy away to them red coats. Flutter heads, pea brains. The things that tomorrow is doin is executing the only man in this old blamed army that's got me brains.

[Daniel Boone]

Oh, well now, it's nice of you to say that, Longboat. Eh? Well, I mean I'm not the only man in the army.

[Benjamin Franklin]

You who's talking about you? I'm talking about me. Longbow Billy.

[Narrator]

Oh, they catch me laughing, they did.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Couldn't help myself. We're standing amongst them hickory springs watching his fool Red coats drilling for the battle. If they come with the French and engines of Fort Decay. There they are. The sunbeam and gold in their helmets. Red coats clay piping. Every last son of a gun. A target a babe could hit. Marching up and down, up and down. He off the captain cries and they stop. He off the captain cries again. And with a snap and a slip they must come down to ready here.

[General Edward Braddock]

Up again.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Cries the captain. And they aims to help me here and above. By that time they'll be ridden with French bullets and cut to shreds with injured arrows. So I'm laughing fit to kill when a voice behind me begs to inquire.

[General Edward Braddock]

What I'm laughing at.

[Benjamin Franklin]

It's a colonel attached to Braddock's staff. That's all, bub.

[Daniel Boone]

Here I am.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Execution at dawn. Well, we'll eat up this butt of candy.

[General Edward Braddock]

You fought it.

[Narrator]

What's in here? Colonel Washington.

[Daniel Boone]

Colonel Washington.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Well do.

[Daniel Boone]

Well what Colonel?

[Narrator]

I thought you'd like to know you'll not be executed in the morning.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Well, that gives him a lot more dain needless butter candy. Have some, Colonel.

[Narrator]

I beg your pardon. As I was saying, Boone.

[Daniel Boone]

Yes, colonel?

[Narrator]

Your name, earlier this evening during that unfortunate concert had a familiar ring to me. I heard it somewhere before, though I couldn't exactly say where. Bothered me somewhat until I've been making inquiries among the men. I've discovered, Boone, that you enjoy a certain fame as a hunter and Indian scout. The fellows are decidedly lavish in their praise of your ability. They say, in fact, that you're even superior to Longbow Billy, the celebrated frontiersman. That's a lie.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Ain't nobody's appearing. Longbow Billy.

[Narrator]

I beg your pardon.

[Daniel Boone]

Excuse me, Colonel, but this is. Longbow Billy.

[Narrator]

This.

[Benjamin Franklin]

What's the matter with this?

[Narrator]

I've always thought Longbow Billy was a much younger man.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Cut this thing off this beat. I just got to do what? The time has come, I tell you.

[Narrator]

Interesting. Very well, to get on, Boone. The fellows, as I say, were extraordinarily lavish in the praise of your ability.

[Daniel Boone]

I don't think it was any praise due me, colonel. I lived most of my life in the woods. I just naturally like to hunt. That's about all there is to it.

[Narrator]

On the contrary, I'm inclined to think there's a good deal more to it. Be that as it may, Boone, I communicated this information to General Braddock together with a suggestion that he has seen fit to adopt.

[Daniel Boone]

I feared. I'm not following your drift, colonel.

[Narrator]

You will, Mr. Franklin. I believe you know him.

[Daniel Boone]

Ben Franklin? Sure.

[Narrator]

Mr. Franklin has promised General Braddock that he will assemble 150 wagons loaded with supplies at a point near Philadelphia within 10 days. The problem was how those wagons were to be transported here safely. Beaujeu and his redskins are sure to find out about them and make a very serious attempt to stop and capture them.

[Daniel Boone]

They sure are. Where do I come in, Colonel?

[Narrator]

I assured General Braddock that if anyone could get those wagons safely through, Daniel Boone could.

[Daniel Boone]

That's a long shot, sir.

[Narrator]

Is the try worth your life?

[Daniel Boone]

My life?

[Narrator]

At my suggestion, General Braddock has granted you a stay of execution. He will give your word to make no attempt to escape. If you bring those wagons through Boone, the order of your execution will be forgotten.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Get yourself shot at, doomed in, and it'll be over quickly.

[Daniel Boone]

Really? Longbow's probably right, colonel. There isn't a chance of getting those wagons through.

[Narrator]

I think there is if you lead them.

[Daniel Boone]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

Well, I do.

[Benjamin Franklin]

You try leading 150 wagons loaded with supplies to the wilderness from Philadelphia. You'll wind up with Beauje's engines boiling you alive. Better to get shot by a firing score. Nice and neat. I know what I'm talking about.

[Daniel Boone]

Longbow's right, colonel. There's no chance at all of getting those wagons through.

[Narrator]

You've got to get them through. Boom.

[Daniel Boone]

What?

[Narrator]

I don't know how to say it, but we've got to win against the French at Duquesne. And we can't win without supplies. We need someone like you. Perhaps you won't get through, but, Boone, you've got to try.

[Benjamin Franklin]

What's the matter to us who wins? All we want wanted was to be let alone hunt and fish and make a living where we found it, in the woods.

[Narrator]

Even the English win.

[Benjamin Franklin]

The woods will still be there. Even the French win. The way Braddock has drilling his troops, they're sure to win. The woods will still be there. What's the matter to us?

[Narrator]

For that matter, what does it matter to me? I don't know how to explain. It matters, that's all. Boon, will you do it?

[Daniel Boone]

On one condition, colonel.

[Narrator]

Name it.

[Daniel Boone]

Longbow, Billy goes with me.

[Narrator]

I'm not sure that that can be arranged.

[Daniel Boone]

It'll have to be, Colonel. I wouldn't figure on a trip like this without somebody I can depend on.

[Narrator]

I understand very well, Boone. Longbow, Billy goes with you.

[Benjamin Franklin]

Watch me Me get boiled and all.

[General Edward Braddock]

Instead of killed nice and eat by a fire, which.

[Daniel Boone]

Take it easy, Longbow. All right, Colonel Washington, we'll try it.

[Narrator]

I knew I could count on you. You leave in the morning.

[General Edward Braddock]

Good.

[Daniel Boone]

Yeah. What? Looks like we've got ourselves into something.

[Benjamin Franklin]

We got ourselves into something. You got me into this.

[Daniel Boone]

Better than the firing squad.

[Benjamin Franklin]

I don't know. Them engines ain't too bad by themselves when they get messed up with the French. Giggle water and all that. I don't know.

[Daniel Boone]

Well, you're right. Well, Longbow, you don't have to go. It's up to you. What do you think?

[Benjamin Franklin]

Have some butter candy, Dan.

[Narrator]

Danger, and plenty of it lies ahead for Daniel Boone and Longbow Billy Will their skill as woodsmen, their cunning as scouts bring those wagons and themselves through safely. Thrills, intense adventure await us tomorrow.

[General Edward Braddock]

So be sure to be with us.

[Narrator]

Then for the next stirring episode in this saga of American history.

For remember, in Cherokee, it's a winger for kima. In Sioux, it's. In Pawnee, it's a cow, Pima Co. And in America, it's Daniel Boone. Indian Scout.

[Daniel Boone]

Gentlemen, you have just heard the first program of Daniel Boone, Indian Scout.

[Narrator]

You could have been listening to the.

[Daniel Boone]

Hundred, if you know what I mean, and I think you do.