He was held in high esteem as a magistrate
because of his just and wise treatment of his flock, who brought
him all their small bickerings to settle. He had no use for legal
procedure, would not listen to any nice subtleties, saying that
he did not care anything at all about the EVIDENCE, what he
wanted was the TRUTH. His favorite penalty for offenders was the
hickory rod "well laid on." Often he decided that both parties in
a suit were equally to blame and chastised them both alike. When
in March, 1804, the American Commissioner received Louisiana for
the United States, Delassus, Lieutenant Governor of Upper
Louisiana, reporting'on the various officials in the territory,
wrote of the Femme Osage Syndic: "Mr. Boone, a respectable old
man, just and impartial, he has already, since I appointed him,
offered his resignation owing to his infirmities. Believing I
know his probity, I have induced him to remain, in view of my
confidence in him for the public good."*
*Thwaites, "Daniel Boone. "To this and other biographies of
Boone, cited in the Bibliographical Note at the end of this
volume, the author is indebted for the material contained in this
chapter.
Daniel, no doubt supposing that a Syndic's rights were
inviolable, had neglected to apply to the Governor at New Orleans
for a ratification of his grant.
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