Secret Maps and the American Border

In the early days after the American Revolution, the boundaries between the new republic and the Loyalist British Colonies (which were to become Canada) were imprecise, at best. In particular, the boundaries between New Brunswick and Maine, and the border between Lower Canada (Quebec) and Maine were uncertain and disputed. The land in dispute was mostly uncharted wilderness.

Lumbermen and settlers were pushing into the disputed territories, and local militias were raised on both sides to chase out the interlopers. The situation could quickly escalate, and neither side had the capacity or the will to fight a war over what seemed like small potatoes.

So, long story short, the two governments agreed to resolve the dispute by discussion and treaty. The Americans appointed Daniel Webster, and the British appointed Lord Ashburton. By all accounts, both were fair and vigorous negotiators, and ultimately arrived at a settlement which more or less split the difference, with the Americans getting slightly more territory, but Canada getting a better strategic boundary.

To everyone’s surprise, the discussions proceeded with little acrimony and with abundant courtesy and apparent reasonableness. Aside from some theatrical grumbling, each government accepted the new boundaries with considerable grace.

Now, you must be wondering why governments settling boundaries would do so with efficiency and cordiality. This isn’t the way things usually happen. So, here’s the truth.

As it happens, the Americans had in their possession apparently authentic maps which more or less showed the righteousness of the British claim. Amazingly (you guessed it) the charts in the possession of the British indicated that the American claim was, by and large, legitimate. So, each side was in possession of pretty clear evidence that their own claim was shaky, and the other guy’s claim was more legitimate than their own.

Who said history was boring?