Ep 18. The Deserter

Daniel Boone season 2 episode 18, titled "The Deserter," follows Daniel as he stumbles upon a group of deserters from the Continental Army while searching for a young girl who was taken captive by Native Americans. The episode begins with Daniel and Mingo setting out on their mission to rescue the captive girl, but their plans are derailed when they come across a group of American soldiers who have deserted their posts.

At first, Daniel and Mingo are unsure of how to handle the situation. On the one hand, they are sympathetic to the soldiers' plight, knowing that conditions in the army can be harsh. On the other hand, they know that desertion is a serious crime, and they fear the consequences of helping the soldiers.

As they talk with the deserters, Daniel and Mingo learn that the soldiers' commander, Captain Fielding, is a cruel and abusive man who has been mistreating his troops. The deserters tell Daniel and Mingo about the brutal punishments they have suffered at Fielding's hands, including beatings, starvation, and being chained up in the hot sun without food or water.

Daniel is outraged by these accounts, and he decides to confront Fielding directly. He and Mingo sneak into the soldiers' camp and find Fielding sitting alone in his tent. Daniel demands that Fielding release the captive girl, telling him that he has no right to mistreat his troops and that the Continental Army was not created for this type of behavior.

Fielding dismisses Daniel's words, telling him that he is a loyal soldier who is simply carrying out orders. Daniel, however, is not convinced, and he warns Fielding that his actions will not be tolerated. He then frees the captive girl from her bonds and leads her away from the camp, all the while keeping a watchful eye on Fielding and his men.

As Daniel and Mingo make their way back to Boonesborough with the girl, they encounter a group of Native Americans who are searching for her. Daniel is cautious, knowing that tensions between the settlers and the natives are high, but he is also determined to protect the girl and ensure that she is safely returned to her tribe.

In the end, Daniel is able to negotiate a peaceful exchange with the Native Americans, returning the girl and allowing both sides to go their separate ways. The experience leaves Daniel with a deeper understanding of the complexities of frontier life, and a renewed commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of adversity.

Overall, "The Deserter" is an action-packed episode that explores themes of loyalty, justice, and honor. It is a must-see for fans of the show, as well as anyone interested in the history of the American frontier.