Are you talking 'bout:
AROOSTOOK WAR
The nation's only war declared by a state and the nation's only
bloodless war. It began in 1837 when New Brunswick officials arrested a
Maine state land surveyor who was conducting a census in the
northeastern regions of the state which were also claimed by New
Brunswick.
Maine citizens were outraged. Because the federal government took no
action, the Maine legislature authorized $10,000 for the defense of the
disputed territories. A military road was authorized to aid in the
movement of troops from Bangor to Houlton. Another, later to be known
as the Airline, was authorized to link Bangor with Calais, but was never
completed.
An expedition of 200 men led by state land agent Rufus McIntire arrested
several Canadians, including the New Brunswick warden of the disputed
territories, James McLaughlin. New Brunswick officials were now upset
and arrested several of the Maine volunteers including McIntire.
In 1839 the Maine legislature, furious over the arrest of McIntire, then
appropriated $800,000 and raised a militia of 10,000 men to defend the
northern territories. Patriotism and flag waving swept the entire state,
and other states were promising support. No longer able to ignore the
dispute, Congress authorized $10 million and raised a 50,000-man militia
to defend Maine's land claims.
The only fighting of this war occurred in a Houlton barroom where both
British and American troops were drinking. When someone offered a toast
to Maine's success, a brawl broke out that resulted in several black
eyes and bloody noses.
Battle was avoided when Daniel Webster negotiated a peaceful withdrawal
and new boundary with Alexander Baring, Lord Ashburton. The treaty
became known as the Webster-Ashburton Treaty and established Maine's
current northeastern boundary in 1842.
You'd think you guys would stay out of our bars! Good thing that treaty
was signed else the White House would of been burnt down a second time,
eh.
POKO
