New Brunswick border dispute proclamation, 1839
Maine Historical Society
While the Aroostook War over the boundary between Canada and the United States was bloodless, it was not without considerable tension.
A proclamation issued in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Feb. 13, 1839, begins, "WHEREAS, I have received information that a party of armed persons, to the number of two hundred, or more, have invaded a portion of this Province, under the jurisdiction of Her Majesty's government, from the neighbouring State of Maine, for the professed object of exercising authority, and driving off persons stated to be cutting Timber therein."
It notes that the government would take action against the "armed persons" from Maine who were cutting timber.
The proclamation asks that New Brunswick residents who took Royal arms and ammunition to defend against the intruders return them and states that a militia will be formed to handle the problem.
David M. Coffin of Spring Hill, New Brunswick, sent the proclamation to Maine Governor John Fairfield.