Jeff Thomas
Well-known member
HARO STRAIGHT
Baynes stood on the stern of Ganges, hands clasped behind his back, watching Victoria harbor recede into the distance. Another beautiful summer day, but he was not enjoying it.
“What a silly way to go to war,” he thought. A towrope connected the ship to the side-paddle steamer Jarvis. He refused to look forward, the sight pained him too much. There was no other way to position the ship off San Juan Island.
A bit to the left, he could see Tribune and Plyadies moving west, to take station in the straight of Juan de Fuca. In the distance, he could see Plumper, repaired from her recent brush with the American moving south to join Satellite. The fleet was moving out a day or two sooner than they planned. News that two American frigates had anchored near the western end of the Straight the evening before prompted the sudden movement.
He hoped his American counterpart had a cool head. The whole affair had spun wildly out of control. Governor Douglas was all worked up to throw the Americans off a silly little island. And as the Queen’s direct representative, Douglas had the authority to do as he saw fit. There was no other way to govern this far from home. It looked like the American General, Harney, was also ready to fight.
STRAIGHT OF JUAN DE FUCA
Commodore Garibaldi watched the two British ships approaching through his telescope. He expected to intercept three ships, further east, if the third ship joined Satellite this would work better. If he could keep them here for a few hours the Americans would win the battle.
“Winslow!”
“Sir.”
“Open fire at extreme range. I want to keep these two busy. They outgun us, but we should have an advantage in speed by a knot or two. “
“Aye aye, sir!”
The Americans startled Captain Hornby aboard Tribune Captain Hornby, when the Americans opened fire at extreme range.
“A daresay, they seem a bit eager don’t they?” His aide commented.
“Well the United States isn’t a naval power. I expect will run them off quickly,” (a remark he would soon regret) “then we can get on over to San Juan where we belong. That’s what Admiral Baynes wanted. He doesn’t like the Governor’s disposition of the ships.”
“Shall we commence firing sir?”
“Yes, but not full broadsides. Just keep them on their toes.”
Four guns thundered out at the enemy. Hornby watched incredulously through his telescope as a cannonball bounced harmlessly off the side of the nearer ship. Then even more surprised he saw the ships turn away.
“Well that was easy.” Someone said.
Two hours later, he stood dripping sweat in the hot noontime sun, his face blackened with soot and powder smoke. A sulfurous smell hung in the air. Neither side damaged the other, but he tired of a crazy game of cat and mouse.
Whenever he closed the range enough to the Americans to start to fight, they broke off and retreated. As soon as he turned east they came back at him. Now they ran away again. The Americans had just enough advantage in speed to define the battle. Only they didn’t want to fight.
A sailor climbed into the rigging.
“You stupid bloody yank,” he yelled, stand up and fight like a man!”
Suddenly Hornby’s blood ran cold.
“Turn the ships, now!” He ordered, “make for San Juan Island immediately!”
“What, why are we running sir?” A young officer asked.
“We are not running.”
Hornby pointed at the American ships.
“That man could have me no more immobilized if he’d nailed my feet to the deck. I don’t know why he wants me here, but he’s got a reason and I’m going to find out what’s happening.”
Commodore Garibaldi watched the enemy turn away. After a few minutes of moving toward them he realized they weren’t turning back.
“Seems they’ve figured out the game,” Winslow said.
Garibaldi pulled out his pocket watch and looked at it.
“I expect that Allen has taken care of his business.”
Had he known that, instead of waltzing in unopposed, Allen was about to fight a seventy-two gun ship of the line with a thirteen gun sloop; he might have been less confident.
ABOARD USS MASSACHUSETTS
T J Allen sat on a box at the stern of the Massachusetts, calmly smoking a pipe. The tranquil waters of Saratoga Passage slipped past the ship as she chugged northward. The largely uninhabited shores provided a peaceful backdrop. Overhead he watched an eagle circling. The wing tip feathers fluttered, feeling the light breeze. A junior officer, part of the group Garibaldi brought with him stood nearby, ready to run messages. Allen enjoyed these moments and preferred his solitude.
Three other ships trailed Massachusetts. The steamers Constitution and Julia, civilian vessels pressed into service followed in her wake. The revenue cutter Jefferson Davis brought up the rear. Massachusetts was the only real warship, spare cannon from Fort Steliacoom positioned on the main deck provided firepower for the other two. The little Davis could only carry one. The main job for these ships was carrying troops, men and equipment packed them to the gunwales.
The eagle soaring above the ships, made a sharp cry, dove toward the water. It dipped its talons with a small splash, and flew away gripping a salmon.
Allen took the pipe from his mouth.
“He’ll have a good meal.”
“Sir?”
“Fresh Salmon. A Washington Territory treat. After we carry out our mission I’ll invite you to dinner. We must meet properly. I’ll plank a salmon for you. Commodore Garibaldi will like I’m sure.”
“Plank a salmon sir?”
“You’ll see.”
Captain Jacobson approached.
“It looks like we’re right on schedule. We should arrive as the tide turns.”
“Good. It's the only time we can make the passage, we need a full channel and an outgoing tide. Promises to be quite a ride.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
Allen resumed puffing on his pipe as the ship turned slightly to starboard to enter Skagit Bay.
ABOARD HMS GANGES
Admiral Baynes watched the Captains of Ganges and Jarvis try to get the ponderous ship of the line into firing position. He found it difficult to hide his disgust. A strong current running from North to South, and a light breeze blowing from the North kept pushing the vessels in the wrong direction. Everybody but Governor Douglas knew these two facts in advance, but of course he had paid no attention when making his plans.
The fact funnel smoke from Julia was engulfing the ship didn’t help Baynes’ mood.
They had to use Julia to pull Ganges with a towline. Not having an engine, and with an unfavorable wind, the big ship swung like a hooked fish. They had fired one broadside a half hour earlier, with no noticeable effect. Now Douglas was yelling to bring the ship in closer.
Baynes looked over at the American encampment. There was a long open, grassy field that sloped upwards to a lightly wooded hill. He could see tents in the woods, and spies reported some enclosures for animals lay on the far side of the hill. Earthworks and a great redoubt protected the camp.
“Closer, I said closer, this will never do.”
“Governor, that might not be a good idea,” this from Ganges’ captain, “we may hit some unknown reef.
“Nonsense man, this is a deep channel. There is no obstruction.”
The Captain looked at Baynes helplessly.
“Governor,” Baynes started to say something.
“I won’t hear some silly objection,” the governor interrupted, “just get on with it.”
Baynes nodded at the captain. Standing where Douglas couldn’t see him, he made a handwashing gesture toward the Captain, who smiled and nodded.
Behind the Admiral, Douglas yelled over the noise of preparation for battle. The thump of Julia’s engine increased as she labored against the outgoing tide. They needed to pull Ganges north and let her drift with the current into firing position.
STRAIGHT OF JUAN DE FUCA
AND VICINITY
It was turning into a long stern chase. Susquehanna and Mississippi closed the range with only a one knot advantage. Commodore Garibaldi calculated they would be in real fighting range about the time they all arrived at San Juan Island. Meanwhile he fired an occasional shell at them just to make them pay attention. The British returned the favor with their stern guns. Neither could damage the other.
Far to the south, HMS Plumper and HMS Satellite continued their lonely vigil guarding Admiralty Inlet. They’d seen a few fishing boats, but nothing else.
OFF SAN JUAN ISLAND
“That’s the idea, get her in good and close, “ Said Douglas.
Ganges drifted down on the current, rapidly approaching a firing position off the American’s camp. Baynes watched from the railing. They were close inshore, he could see men taking shelter. The Americans knew the battle would start soon. Astern of Ganges, the Jarvis barely kept power to her engines; letting the tide do the work. A two rope still connected the two ships. Marines with muskets crowded Ganges rigging.
Suddenly a loud grinding sound roared up from the keel of the ship. She began to take on a list to starboard. The grinding continued and Baynes could feel the bow rising as the great ship continued to push up onto whatever underwater barrier she had hit. The list increased. With a sudden jerk the ship stopped dead in the water.
“Bloody ‘ell!” Shouted a sailor as he fell heavily to the deck.
A marine fell from the lowest spar of the mainmast, yelling as he plunged into the cold water. Fortunately he had not fallen far. Someone threw him a rope. Higher in the rigging men scrambled to reach a handhold.
“What’s happened?” Yelled Douglas.
“We’re aground.” Answered the captain.
He and Baynes looked over the rail. The outgoing tide swept passed the ship, so rapidly Baynes thought he could see the water drop.
“We must throw some guns overboard immediately “ said Baynes.
“I agree. Bosun, get a crew ready.”
“Aye aye, sir.”
“What!” Yelled Douglas “throw her majesty’s cannon into the sea! You shall not!”
“Governor, it’s only way to free the ship.” Explained Baynes.
“No, you may not do it.”
By know the Governor was shouting and red faced.
“Have Jarvis pull us off!”
“She’s pulling with all she’s got already. It's no use.”
While the two men were arguing the tide continued to pull water from under the ship’s keel.
AMERICAN CAMP
Pickett, Roberts, and Forsyth stood together in a small earthwork at the crest of the hill, form which they could see in all directions. Below them the encampment spread down to the water’s edge, beyond which they could see Ganges and Jarvis.
“I don’t know much about ships,” said Pickett, “but I think our English friends are in trouble.”
For fifteen minutes the Jarvis churned up the water trying to pull Ganges off the bottom. Every minute the receding tide exposed more of the ship’s copper-sheathed bottom. Pickett had ordered sharpshooters to take position near the water’s edge, and begin firing at the ships. Now they could see the artillerymen moving a mortar into position to fire on the ships.
Abruptly Ganges guns spouted red flame, followed immediately by dense clouds of smoke. Instinctively the American soldiers ducked as the shells screamed over their heads. Moments later the field behind them erupted in explosions. Several grazing horses bolted in panic.
Pickett looked through his field glasses. He could see some overturned dirt, but no other damage. Then he noticed a broken fence and some white blobs on the ground.
“James, I’m sad to say they have killed some of your chickens.”
“There we go,” piped up Roberts, “when they’ve killed enough chickens to equal a pig, the war’s over.”
“Sir!” Snarled Pickett in mock anger, “don’t say such a thing. I will not go down in history as the man who won The War of the Pigs and Chickens!”
“Oh that won’t happen,” Roberts added helpfully, “there was only one pig.”
The three men laughed.
More of Ganges’ guns fired, this time loaded with grapeshot. The shot landed short of the beach, sending up many splashes. Pickett guessed the English gunners had overcompensated for shooting high the first time.
The pop of muskets sounded from the redoubt, a mortar boomed. The three men watched the shell in flight. It went way over, a big column of water spouted several hundred yards beyond Ganges. The mortar men were having trouble finding the range looking out over the flat water. Pickett expected them to solve the problem quickly. Then the English warship would be in trouble.
ABOARD USS MASSACHUSETTS
The little fleet was nearing the head of Skagit Bay. One by one, Massachusetts leading the way, they turned to port. Ahead of them, the water narrowed rapidly, forming what George Vancouver had named Deception Pass in 1792.
Captain Allen walked to the rail, he could feel the pull of the outgoing tide starting to tug the ship forward. Other crewman looked ahead nervously, as the current picked up speed. Suddenly the ship raced along, fully caught in the current’s grip.
Looking over the side Allen thought, this looks like a rapids in a river, not an ocean channel. Great waves, crested with foam rose all around the ship. The channel narrowed; high, rocky cliffs towered above the masts. Here and there, a tree found a foothold; large bare spots proved too steep for any growth.
The rock walls flew by with alarming speed. Never in his life had Allen seen the landscape pass by so quickly. He felt like he could put his hand out and touch the rock wall off either beam.
Suddenly, they were through! The cliffs gave way to rocky, tree lined beaches. The current slowed rapidly as they moved out into the broader reaches of the Straight of Juan de Fuca.
Allen looked at the other ships. They had all made it through safely.
He turned to Lt. Jacobson, “Well, it seems we’ve outflanked that British ship at Admiralty Inlet.”
“Yes we have. We should be safely at San Juan Island shortly.”
SAN JUAN ISLAND
Baynes walked away from Douglas. “I’m going to kill that man,” he thought. Douglas was running around the ship giving incomprehensible orders. Baynes looked over the side, keeping an eye on the water level. He noticed now the tide had almost stopped running.
A wide section of hull normally underwater showed all the way around the ship. She was listing almost thirty degrees to starboard. They lost their one chance to free the ship, throwing the guns overboard immediately after grounding the ship. The high tide, the only time they could now free Ganges, would not arrive for hours.
The Americans on the beach kept up harassing fire. The crew ducked when they heard the shots, but there was little to worry about, it wasn’t accurate. The mortar crews also tossed a bomb every few minutes, with even less accuracy. He hoped someone would show up and rescue them from this silly predicament.
A lookout shouted from the mast and pointed. Baynes watched in consternation as first one American ship rounded the island’s southern tip, then another, and another. Where did they come from? Had some disaster befallen Plumper and Satellite; or worse yet Hornby? The two trailing ships turned toward shore, he could see soldiers crowding the deck. The American reinforcements had arrived.
As he watched the leading ship maneuvered carefully into position directly ahead of Ganges, beam on to the English ship.
“That Captain is good,” he thought, “he’s done an admirable job of getting into a raking position without exposing himself to any fire from us.”
Douglas rushed up to him.
“Where did they come from?” He demanded. “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know.”
The American was small, it looked like she could only bring seven guns to bear, but a couple of broadsides of grapeshot and Ganges’ deck would be a slaughterhouse.
And a few more broadside would finish the work begun by tide and rocks. If they used hot shot they would no doubt set fire to the ship.
Douglas was still yelling at him to do something.
“Oh shut up you bloody fool!” He snapped, “small as she is that ship can kill us all in short order.”
Douglas turned pale and stepped away.
Baynes summoned Ganges’ captain with a gesture. The two moved away to talk privately. The lookout shouted again. He had spotted ships on the Western horizon. Baynes looked through his telescope and deduced the Americans were chasing Hornby. He estimated they were an hour away. And when he got here it would be three American ships versus two British.
“Sir look!” Someone shouted, pointed at the American’s signal flags, “he wants to parley!”
“Well,” he said, “let’s go see what they want.”
The two small boats rowed toward each other in the open water between the two ships. The shooting from shore had stopped, and the Jarvis had stopped her efforts to pull Ganges free. Oars dipping in the water provided the only sign.
When he had first saw the huge ship standing of San Juan Island Allen’s heart had almost stopped. Then he realized that she was aground and helpless. Almost instantly an idea had sprung to mind. He hoped with all his heart the man he was about to meet was more reasonable than General Harney. He had agreed wholeheartedly with Commodore Garibaldi’s assessment of the U S Navy’s chances against the British. This might be the only chance to avoid a bloody war.
They met almost exactly halfway, bow to bow. Allen climbed into the bow of his boat, the men moving to the stern so the officers could talk. The British tars did the same. Allen tied to the boats together with a short piece of rope to keep the two boats together without rowing.
“Sir,” he saluted, “T J Allen, Captain, United States Navy.”
The Englishman returned the salute.
“Robert Baynes, Rear Admiral, Royal Navy.”
The two men silently assessed each other before Baynes spoke.
“Captain how did you get here? We had ships placed to block you. You didn’t fight them with all those men on deck.”
“Well we came through the back door, so to speak.”
“I see,” said Baynes, puzzled, “perhaps sometime you can tell me about it.”
Allen looked over at the helpless Ganges.
“Admiral I do not wish to fire on your ship. “
“I don’t want a battle. But I cannot surrender my ship. I have to take orders from an idiot, he’ll have my head.”
“I don’t expect you to. I also find myself taking orders from, shall we say – not the sharpest tool in the shed.”
In spite of himself, Baynes smiled.
“Politicians everywhere are the same. What do you have in mind?”
“Admiral, allow me to put some crew on your ship. They will insure that you do not fire when pulled free. I will guarantee safe passage to Victoria in exchange. “
“What about that lot?” Admiral Baynes pointed toward San Juan Island.
“We will keep our camp here. You keep your camp at the north end of the island. We will make a line of demarcation in the middle. Let diplomats sort it all out. We’ll make sure everybody gets the message.” He waved toward the ships, still far down the straights.
“That seems an excellent solution, but I have no authority to accept it,” Baynes said.
Allen grinned.
“That shouldn’t be a problem Admiral. I have no authority to offer it.”
Baynes laughed and extended his hand.
“As you Americans say, we have a deal. “
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 the election of 1860, no matter who won, 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. The government recalled James Douglas. Both men spent the rest of their lives unsuccessfully attempting to blame the other for nearly bringing two friendly countries to war.
Lt. Edmonds, having played a minor role served in the Royal Navy until his death at the Battle of Gibraltar.
George Pickett found the glory he sought in the climactic moments of the Confederate victory at Gettysburg.
Commodore Garibaldi and Captain Allen founded family dynasties within the U S Navy. Captain Allen’s grandson commanded the Pacific fleet in the War of 1910. Garibaldi’s grandnephew served as his chief of staff.
Although he’d negotiated with Allen to avoid conflict, Baynes chaffed at the idea the Americans outfoxed him. Two years later, Baynes, refused to yield to the American blockade of the Confederacy. His actions, combined with Pickett’s victory, led to European recognition of the CSA and a divided America.
In 1860, just before the outbreak of war, the countries signed an agreement ratifying the decision of Allen and Baynes plan for solving the crisis. Negotiating a final treaty took another decade. The treaty declared San Juan Island American territory.
At the signing ceremony, a British diplomat provided the best summary of the whole affair.
“That was a remarkable pig.”
For the real story of The Pig War I recommend:
Pig War - Wikipedia
www.outwestnewspaper.com
Baynes stood on the stern of Ganges, hands clasped behind his back, watching Victoria harbor recede into the distance. Another beautiful summer day, but he was not enjoying it.
“What a silly way to go to war,” he thought. A towrope connected the ship to the side-paddle steamer Jarvis. He refused to look forward, the sight pained him too much. There was no other way to position the ship off San Juan Island.
A bit to the left, he could see Tribune and Plyadies moving west, to take station in the straight of Juan de Fuca. In the distance, he could see Plumper, repaired from her recent brush with the American moving south to join Satellite. The fleet was moving out a day or two sooner than they planned. News that two American frigates had anchored near the western end of the Straight the evening before prompted the sudden movement.
He hoped his American counterpart had a cool head. The whole affair had spun wildly out of control. Governor Douglas was all worked up to throw the Americans off a silly little island. And as the Queen’s direct representative, Douglas had the authority to do as he saw fit. There was no other way to govern this far from home. It looked like the American General, Harney, was also ready to fight.
STRAIGHT OF JUAN DE FUCA
Commodore Garibaldi watched the two British ships approaching through his telescope. He expected to intercept three ships, further east, if the third ship joined Satellite this would work better. If he could keep them here for a few hours the Americans would win the battle.
“Winslow!”
“Sir.”
“Open fire at extreme range. I want to keep these two busy. They outgun us, but we should have an advantage in speed by a knot or two. “
“Aye aye, sir!”
The Americans startled Captain Hornby aboard Tribune Captain Hornby, when the Americans opened fire at extreme range.
“A daresay, they seem a bit eager don’t they?” His aide commented.
“Well the United States isn’t a naval power. I expect will run them off quickly,” (a remark he would soon regret) “then we can get on over to San Juan where we belong. That’s what Admiral Baynes wanted. He doesn’t like the Governor’s disposition of the ships.”
“Shall we commence firing sir?”
“Yes, but not full broadsides. Just keep them on their toes.”
Four guns thundered out at the enemy. Hornby watched incredulously through his telescope as a cannonball bounced harmlessly off the side of the nearer ship. Then even more surprised he saw the ships turn away.
“Well that was easy.” Someone said.
Two hours later, he stood dripping sweat in the hot noontime sun, his face blackened with soot and powder smoke. A sulfurous smell hung in the air. Neither side damaged the other, but he tired of a crazy game of cat and mouse.
Whenever he closed the range enough to the Americans to start to fight, they broke off and retreated. As soon as he turned east they came back at him. Now they ran away again. The Americans had just enough advantage in speed to define the battle. Only they didn’t want to fight.
A sailor climbed into the rigging.
“You stupid bloody yank,” he yelled, stand up and fight like a man!”
Suddenly Hornby’s blood ran cold.
“Turn the ships, now!” He ordered, “make for San Juan Island immediately!”
“What, why are we running sir?” A young officer asked.
“We are not running.”
Hornby pointed at the American ships.
“That man could have me no more immobilized if he’d nailed my feet to the deck. I don’t know why he wants me here, but he’s got a reason and I’m going to find out what’s happening.”
Commodore Garibaldi watched the enemy turn away. After a few minutes of moving toward them he realized they weren’t turning back.
“Seems they’ve figured out the game,” Winslow said.
Garibaldi pulled out his pocket watch and looked at it.
“I expect that Allen has taken care of his business.”
Had he known that, instead of waltzing in unopposed, Allen was about to fight a seventy-two gun ship of the line with a thirteen gun sloop; he might have been less confident.
ABOARD USS MASSACHUSETTS
T J Allen sat on a box at the stern of the Massachusetts, calmly smoking a pipe. The tranquil waters of Saratoga Passage slipped past the ship as she chugged northward. The largely uninhabited shores provided a peaceful backdrop. Overhead he watched an eagle circling. The wing tip feathers fluttered, feeling the light breeze. A junior officer, part of the group Garibaldi brought with him stood nearby, ready to run messages. Allen enjoyed these moments and preferred his solitude.
Three other ships trailed Massachusetts. The steamers Constitution and Julia, civilian vessels pressed into service followed in her wake. The revenue cutter Jefferson Davis brought up the rear. Massachusetts was the only real warship, spare cannon from Fort Steliacoom positioned on the main deck provided firepower for the other two. The little Davis could only carry one. The main job for these ships was carrying troops, men and equipment packed them to the gunwales.
The eagle soaring above the ships, made a sharp cry, dove toward the water. It dipped its talons with a small splash, and flew away gripping a salmon.
Allen took the pipe from his mouth.
“He’ll have a good meal.”
“Sir?”
“Fresh Salmon. A Washington Territory treat. After we carry out our mission I’ll invite you to dinner. We must meet properly. I’ll plank a salmon for you. Commodore Garibaldi will like I’m sure.”
“Plank a salmon sir?”
“You’ll see.”
Captain Jacobson approached.
“It looks like we’re right on schedule. We should arrive as the tide turns.”
“Good. It's the only time we can make the passage, we need a full channel and an outgoing tide. Promises to be quite a ride.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
Allen resumed puffing on his pipe as the ship turned slightly to starboard to enter Skagit Bay.
ABOARD HMS GANGES
Admiral Baynes watched the Captains of Ganges and Jarvis try to get the ponderous ship of the line into firing position. He found it difficult to hide his disgust. A strong current running from North to South, and a light breeze blowing from the North kept pushing the vessels in the wrong direction. Everybody but Governor Douglas knew these two facts in advance, but of course he had paid no attention when making his plans.
The fact funnel smoke from Julia was engulfing the ship didn’t help Baynes’ mood.
They had to use Julia to pull Ganges with a towline. Not having an engine, and with an unfavorable wind, the big ship swung like a hooked fish. They had fired one broadside a half hour earlier, with no noticeable effect. Now Douglas was yelling to bring the ship in closer.
Baynes looked over at the American encampment. There was a long open, grassy field that sloped upwards to a lightly wooded hill. He could see tents in the woods, and spies reported some enclosures for animals lay on the far side of the hill. Earthworks and a great redoubt protected the camp.
“Closer, I said closer, this will never do.”
“Governor, that might not be a good idea,” this from Ganges’ captain, “we may hit some unknown reef.
“Nonsense man, this is a deep channel. There is no obstruction.”
The Captain looked at Baynes helplessly.
“Governor,” Baynes started to say something.
“I won’t hear some silly objection,” the governor interrupted, “just get on with it.”
Baynes nodded at the captain. Standing where Douglas couldn’t see him, he made a handwashing gesture toward the Captain, who smiled and nodded.
Behind the Admiral, Douglas yelled over the noise of preparation for battle. The thump of Julia’s engine increased as she labored against the outgoing tide. They needed to pull Ganges north and let her drift with the current into firing position.
STRAIGHT OF JUAN DE FUCA
AND VICINITY
It was turning into a long stern chase. Susquehanna and Mississippi closed the range with only a one knot advantage. Commodore Garibaldi calculated they would be in real fighting range about the time they all arrived at San Juan Island. Meanwhile he fired an occasional shell at them just to make them pay attention. The British returned the favor with their stern guns. Neither could damage the other.
Far to the south, HMS Plumper and HMS Satellite continued their lonely vigil guarding Admiralty Inlet. They’d seen a few fishing boats, but nothing else.
OFF SAN JUAN ISLAND
“That’s the idea, get her in good and close, “ Said Douglas.
Ganges drifted down on the current, rapidly approaching a firing position off the American’s camp. Baynes watched from the railing. They were close inshore, he could see men taking shelter. The Americans knew the battle would start soon. Astern of Ganges, the Jarvis barely kept power to her engines; letting the tide do the work. A two rope still connected the two ships. Marines with muskets crowded Ganges rigging.
Suddenly a loud grinding sound roared up from the keel of the ship. She began to take on a list to starboard. The grinding continued and Baynes could feel the bow rising as the great ship continued to push up onto whatever underwater barrier she had hit. The list increased. With a sudden jerk the ship stopped dead in the water.
“Bloody ‘ell!” Shouted a sailor as he fell heavily to the deck.
A marine fell from the lowest spar of the mainmast, yelling as he plunged into the cold water. Fortunately he had not fallen far. Someone threw him a rope. Higher in the rigging men scrambled to reach a handhold.
“What’s happened?” Yelled Douglas.
“We’re aground.” Answered the captain.
He and Baynes looked over the rail. The outgoing tide swept passed the ship, so rapidly Baynes thought he could see the water drop.
“We must throw some guns overboard immediately “ said Baynes.
“I agree. Bosun, get a crew ready.”
“Aye aye, sir.”
“What!” Yelled Douglas “throw her majesty’s cannon into the sea! You shall not!”
“Governor, it’s only way to free the ship.” Explained Baynes.
“No, you may not do it.”
By know the Governor was shouting and red faced.
“Have Jarvis pull us off!”
“She’s pulling with all she’s got already. It's no use.”
While the two men were arguing the tide continued to pull water from under the ship’s keel.
AMERICAN CAMP
Pickett, Roberts, and Forsyth stood together in a small earthwork at the crest of the hill, form which they could see in all directions. Below them the encampment spread down to the water’s edge, beyond which they could see Ganges and Jarvis.
“I don’t know much about ships,” said Pickett, “but I think our English friends are in trouble.”
For fifteen minutes the Jarvis churned up the water trying to pull Ganges off the bottom. Every minute the receding tide exposed more of the ship’s copper-sheathed bottom. Pickett had ordered sharpshooters to take position near the water’s edge, and begin firing at the ships. Now they could see the artillerymen moving a mortar into position to fire on the ships.
Abruptly Ganges guns spouted red flame, followed immediately by dense clouds of smoke. Instinctively the American soldiers ducked as the shells screamed over their heads. Moments later the field behind them erupted in explosions. Several grazing horses bolted in panic.
Pickett looked through his field glasses. He could see some overturned dirt, but no other damage. Then he noticed a broken fence and some white blobs on the ground.
“James, I’m sad to say they have killed some of your chickens.”
“There we go,” piped up Roberts, “when they’ve killed enough chickens to equal a pig, the war’s over.”
“Sir!” Snarled Pickett in mock anger, “don’t say such a thing. I will not go down in history as the man who won The War of the Pigs and Chickens!”
“Oh that won’t happen,” Roberts added helpfully, “there was only one pig.”
The three men laughed.
More of Ganges’ guns fired, this time loaded with grapeshot. The shot landed short of the beach, sending up many splashes. Pickett guessed the English gunners had overcompensated for shooting high the first time.
The pop of muskets sounded from the redoubt, a mortar boomed. The three men watched the shell in flight. It went way over, a big column of water spouted several hundred yards beyond Ganges. The mortar men were having trouble finding the range looking out over the flat water. Pickett expected them to solve the problem quickly. Then the English warship would be in trouble.
ABOARD USS MASSACHUSETTS
The little fleet was nearing the head of Skagit Bay. One by one, Massachusetts leading the way, they turned to port. Ahead of them, the water narrowed rapidly, forming what George Vancouver had named Deception Pass in 1792.
Captain Allen walked to the rail, he could feel the pull of the outgoing tide starting to tug the ship forward. Other crewman looked ahead nervously, as the current picked up speed. Suddenly the ship raced along, fully caught in the current’s grip.
Looking over the side Allen thought, this looks like a rapids in a river, not an ocean channel. Great waves, crested with foam rose all around the ship. The channel narrowed; high, rocky cliffs towered above the masts. Here and there, a tree found a foothold; large bare spots proved too steep for any growth.
The rock walls flew by with alarming speed. Never in his life had Allen seen the landscape pass by so quickly. He felt like he could put his hand out and touch the rock wall off either beam.
Suddenly, they were through! The cliffs gave way to rocky, tree lined beaches. The current slowed rapidly as they moved out into the broader reaches of the Straight of Juan de Fuca.
Allen looked at the other ships. They had all made it through safely.
He turned to Lt. Jacobson, “Well, it seems we’ve outflanked that British ship at Admiralty Inlet.”
“Yes we have. We should be safely at San Juan Island shortly.”
SAN JUAN ISLAND
Baynes walked away from Douglas. “I’m going to kill that man,” he thought. Douglas was running around the ship giving incomprehensible orders. Baynes looked over the side, keeping an eye on the water level. He noticed now the tide had almost stopped running.
A wide section of hull normally underwater showed all the way around the ship. She was listing almost thirty degrees to starboard. They lost their one chance to free the ship, throwing the guns overboard immediately after grounding the ship. The high tide, the only time they could now free Ganges, would not arrive for hours.
The Americans on the beach kept up harassing fire. The crew ducked when they heard the shots, but there was little to worry about, it wasn’t accurate. The mortar crews also tossed a bomb every few minutes, with even less accuracy. He hoped someone would show up and rescue them from this silly predicament.
A lookout shouted from the mast and pointed. Baynes watched in consternation as first one American ship rounded the island’s southern tip, then another, and another. Where did they come from? Had some disaster befallen Plumper and Satellite; or worse yet Hornby? The two trailing ships turned toward shore, he could see soldiers crowding the deck. The American reinforcements had arrived.
As he watched the leading ship maneuvered carefully into position directly ahead of Ganges, beam on to the English ship.
“That Captain is good,” he thought, “he’s done an admirable job of getting into a raking position without exposing himself to any fire from us.”
Douglas rushed up to him.
“Where did they come from?” He demanded. “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know.”
The American was small, it looked like she could only bring seven guns to bear, but a couple of broadsides of grapeshot and Ganges’ deck would be a slaughterhouse.
And a few more broadside would finish the work begun by tide and rocks. If they used hot shot they would no doubt set fire to the ship.
Douglas was still yelling at him to do something.
“Oh shut up you bloody fool!” He snapped, “small as she is that ship can kill us all in short order.”
Douglas turned pale and stepped away.
Baynes summoned Ganges’ captain with a gesture. The two moved away to talk privately. The lookout shouted again. He had spotted ships on the Western horizon. Baynes looked through his telescope and deduced the Americans were chasing Hornby. He estimated they were an hour away. And when he got here it would be three American ships versus two British.
“Sir look!” Someone shouted, pointed at the American’s signal flags, “he wants to parley!”
“Well,” he said, “let’s go see what they want.”
The two small boats rowed toward each other in the open water between the two ships. The shooting from shore had stopped, and the Jarvis had stopped her efforts to pull Ganges free. Oars dipping in the water provided the only sign.
When he had first saw the huge ship standing of San Juan Island Allen’s heart had almost stopped. Then he realized that she was aground and helpless. Almost instantly an idea had sprung to mind. He hoped with all his heart the man he was about to meet was more reasonable than General Harney. He had agreed wholeheartedly with Commodore Garibaldi’s assessment of the U S Navy’s chances against the British. This might be the only chance to avoid a bloody war.
They met almost exactly halfway, bow to bow. Allen climbed into the bow of his boat, the men moving to the stern so the officers could talk. The British tars did the same. Allen tied to the boats together with a short piece of rope to keep the two boats together without rowing.
“Sir,” he saluted, “T J Allen, Captain, United States Navy.”
The Englishman returned the salute.
“Robert Baynes, Rear Admiral, Royal Navy.”
The two men silently assessed each other before Baynes spoke.
“Captain how did you get here? We had ships placed to block you. You didn’t fight them with all those men on deck.”
“Well we came through the back door, so to speak.”
“I see,” said Baynes, puzzled, “perhaps sometime you can tell me about it.”
Allen looked over at the helpless Ganges.
“Admiral I do not wish to fire on your ship. “
“I don’t want a battle. But I cannot surrender my ship. I have to take orders from an idiot, he’ll have my head.”
“I don’t expect you to. I also find myself taking orders from, shall we say – not the sharpest tool in the shed.”
In spite of himself, Baynes smiled.
“Politicians everywhere are the same. What do you have in mind?”
“Admiral, allow me to put some crew on your ship. They will insure that you do not fire when pulled free. I will guarantee safe passage to Victoria in exchange. “
“What about that lot?” Admiral Baynes pointed toward San Juan Island.
“We will keep our camp here. You keep your camp at the north end of the island. We will make a line of demarcation in the middle. Let diplomats sort it all out. We’ll make sure everybody gets the message.” He waved toward the ships, still far down the straights.
“That seems an excellent solution, but I have no authority to accept it,” Baynes said.
Allen grinned.
“That shouldn’t be a problem Admiral. I have no authority to offer it.”
Baynes laughed and extended his hand.
“As you Americans say, we have a deal. “
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 the election of 1860, no matter who won, 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. The government recalled James Douglas. Both men spent the rest of their lives unsuccessfully attempting to blame the other for nearly bringing two friendly countries to war.
Lt. Edmonds, having played a minor role served in the Royal Navy until his death at the Battle of Gibraltar.
George Pickett found the glory he sought in the climactic moments of the Confederate victory at Gettysburg.
Commodore Garibaldi and Captain Allen founded family dynasties within the U S Navy. Captain Allen’s grandson commanded the Pacific fleet in the War of 1910. Garibaldi’s grandnephew served as his chief of staff.
Although he’d negotiated with Allen to avoid conflict, Baynes chaffed at the idea the Americans outfoxed him. Two years later, Baynes, refused to yield to the American blockade of the Confederacy. His actions, combined with Pickett’s victory, led to European recognition of the CSA and a divided America.
In 1860, just before the outbreak of war, the countries signed an agreement ratifying the decision of Allen and Baynes plan for solving the crisis. Negotiating a final treaty took another decade. The treaty declared San Juan Island American territory.
At the signing ceremony, a British diplomat provided the best summary of the whole affair.
“That was a remarkable pig.”
For the real story of The Pig War I recommend:
Pig War - Wikipedia
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