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The Pig War - by Jeffrey A. Thomas
The Pig War
by Jeffrey A. Thomas
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THE PIG WAR – AN ALTERNATE HISTORY
POSTSCRIPT
When the news of the events of in the Pacific Northwest reached Washington and London, both governments reacted with horror. In the United States, thinking people were already realizing that the election of 1860, no matter its outcome, might well result in civil war. England was busy with the demands of empire and a naval arms race with France.
General Winfield Scott promptly relieved Harney of his command and ordered him back to Washington. James Douglas was similarly summoned to London. Both men spent the rest of their lives unsuccessfully attempting to blame each other for nearly bringing two friendly countries to war.
In the summer of 1860 the countries signed an agreement ratifying the decision of Allen and Baynes until the matter could be arbitrated.
The whole affair was best summed up by a British diplomat at the signing ceremony:
"That certainly was a remarkable pig."
Unfortunately this agreement did not end the effects of The Pig War. There were a number of "incidents" between British and American troops on San Juan island between the "war" and the agreement that ended it. Even after the agreement was signed problems continued, and even spread to other parts of the US-Canadian border.
The election of 1860, did, as many feared plunge the country into war. On April 15, 1861 President Lincoln declared a blockade of the newly formed Confederate States of America. Upon hearing the news, the Royal Navy, still stung by having been outsmarted by the Americans in The Pig War, announced that British flagged vessels would be escorted into Southern ports by Her Majesty's warships. The American navy was informed in no uncertain terms that firing on neutral vessels would be treated as an act of war.
The British government, tried to discredit the RN's communiqué, but was forced to back down by public opinion. It was simple unacceptable to think that some other navy could dictate terms to Her Majesty's fleet. Tensions increased steadily between Great Britain and the United States. Anti-slavery sentiment ran high in England, but profits were more important, the supply of Southern cotton could not be interrupted. In the spring of 1863 faced with war with Great Britain or settling is own war, Abraham Lincoln was forced to acknowledge the independence of the CSA.
Copyright © 2003 by Jeffrey A. Thomas
Please send comments to Jeffrey A. Thomas at:
sneakythomas@hotmail.com
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