Daniel Boone

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• Curiosity is natural to the soul of man and interesting objects have a powerful influence on our affections. Let these influencing powers actuate, by the permission or disposal of Providence, from selfish or social views, yet in time the mysterious will of Heaven is unfolded, and we behold our conduct, from whatever motives excited, operating to answer the important designs of heaven.
  • As quoted in the opening lines of "The Adventures of Col. Daniel Boon; containing a Narrative of the Wars of Kentucke" in The Discovery, Settlement And present State of Kentucke (1784) by John Filson

• Situated, many hundred miles from our families in the howling wilderness, I believe few would have equally enjoyed the happiness we experienced. I often observed to my brother, You see now how little nature requires to be satisfied. Felicity, the companion of content, is rather found in our own breasts than in the enjoyment of external things; And I firmly believe it requires but a little philosophy to make a man happy in whatsoever state he is. This consists in a full resignation to the will of Providence; and a resigned soul finds pleasure in a path strewed with briars and thorns.
  • As quoted in "The Adventures of Col. Daniel Boon; containing a Narrative of the Wars of Kentucke" in The Discovery, Settlement And present State of Kentucke (1784) by John Filson

• I can't say as ever I was lost, but I was bewildered once for three days.
  • As quoted in Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer (1993) by John Mack Faragher p. 65

• I've opened the way for others to make fortunes, but a fortune for myself was not what I was after.
  • As quoted in Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer (1993) by John Mack Faragher p. 301

• Nothing embitters my old age [like] the circulation of absurd stories that I retire as civilization advances, that I shun the white men and seek the Indians, and that now even when old, I seek to retire beyond the second Alleganies.
  • As quoted in Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer (1993) by John Mack Faragher p. 302

• Many heroic actions and chivalrous adventures are related of me which exist only in the regions of fancy. With me the world has taken great liberties, and yet I have been but a common man.
  • As quoted in Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer (1993) by John Mack Faragher p. 302

Quotes about Boone

• Of all men, saving Sylla, the man-slayer,
  Who passes for in life and death most lucky
  Of the great names which in our faces stare,
  The General Boon, back-woodsman of Kentucky,
  Was happiest amongst mortals any where;
  For killing nothing but a bear or buck, he
  Enjoyed the lonely vigorous, harmless days
  Of his old age in wilds of deepest maze.
  • Lord Byron in Don Juan, Canto the Eighth (1823)

• Daniel Boone was a man,
  Yes, a big man!
  With an eye like an eagle
  And as tall as a mountain was he!
  Daniel Boone was a man,
  Yes, a big man!
  He was brave, he was fearless
  And as tough as a mighty oak tree!
  • Lyrics by Vera Matson to the theme for the television series Daniel Boone (1964-1970).