He was therefore dispossessed.
Not until 1810, and after he had enlisted the Kentucky
Legislature in his behalf, did he succeed in inducing Congress to
restore his land. The Kentucky Legislature's resolution was
adopted because of "the many eminent services rendered by Colonel
Boone in exploring and settling the western country, from which
great advantages have resulted not only to the State but to the
country in general, and that from circumstances over which he had
no control he is now reduced to poverty; not having so far as
appears an acre of land out of the vast territory he has been a
great instrument in peopling." Daniel was seventy-six then; so it
was late in the day for him to have his first experience of
justice in the matter of land. Perhaps it pleased him, however,
to hear that, in confirming his grant, Congress had designated
him as "the man who has opened the way for millions of his
fellow-men."
The "infirmities" which had caused the good Syndic to seek relief
from political cares must have been purely magisterial. The
hunter could have been very little affected by them, for as soon
as he was freed from his duties Boone took up again the silent
challenge of the forest. Usually one or two of his sons or his
son-in-law, Flanders Calloway, accompanied him, but sometimes his
only companions were an old Indian and his hunting dog.
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