Having been here many times, I have the advantage of knowing where Ted Strutz took this picture. There’s a great deal of history on this gorgeous island. Here’s a snippet for you to enjoy. I’ve added a link at the end so you can read more about Charles and Cutler. I have no idea if Charles had a wife. But that’s what fiction is for. Right? Thanks, Rochelle, for posting today’s Friday Fictioneer prompt.
“Heavens, Charles. The man shot your pig, not your father nor son.”
“Quiet! The wheels already turn. Just today Captain Pickett proclaimed, ‘We’ll make a Bunker Hill of it.'”
Celia raised an eyebrow.
“Cutler should, must be arrested for destroying British property. My stripes, the creature only ate a potato or two! ”
“The Americans are calling for military action. Do you realize you may be starting a war? Over a pig! Honestly, Charles.”
“In addition! Cutler told me I should have kept his potatoes out of my pig. Atrocious!”
Shaking her head, Celia pulled a ham from the oven.
Information about The Pig War https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig_War_(1859)
Up From the Ashes 
At least they ate well
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Right? This caused America Camp on one side of San Juan Island, and British Camp on the other. One is beautiful and sheltered with lots of gardens, the other is not. Guess which is which? Thanks, Neil.
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Waste not, want not.
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Indeed!
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Dear Lish,
I’d say the pig has paid its debt to the farmer. 😉 No doubt his sentence was enjoyed by all who ate him. Delicious story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This story has always fascinated me. So glad war was avoided. Did you read the article I attached? (Oh, right! You’re an incredibly busy lady.) Cheers, dear. Thanks for stopping by. We must enjoy a glass of wine together someday.
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I followed the link. Interesting story–and new to me. Thanks for the enlightenment.
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Thanks for going to the link, Russell. When visiting the island you can visit both American and English camp. Pretty interesting stuff.
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That was a most fun and original take! I liked it. And, who doesn’t love ham?
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Oh, thanks, Dale. When I go on the lighter side with my stories I wonder how they’ll be received. I so appreciate your comment.
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Lighter side and fun is always good!
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If someone shot my pig (if I had a pig) I’d certainly declare war 🙂
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Me too! I mean, honestly! Thanks, Ali
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Hot damn, Alicia. One of our two claims to fame. I saw the other one today, splashing in the water as the boats chased them.
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You are a lucky man, Ted.
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Interesting take – and instant oblivion for the pig via the gun was probably preferable to the usual method of despatch.
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I think in those days, on farms, the gun was the usual method? Not sure. Thanks, Jilly.
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If only all wars were as silly as this one…
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I think all wars are silly. But not in such a fun way. Thank you, Iain
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The war continues in other places. This piece has global connotations.
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Sad to say, I don’t think wars will always exist. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment.
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interesting take based on history. quite entertaining and well done. 🙂
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Thanks. San Juan Island is full of history.
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I knew it, Celia started the war!
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Ha!!!! That made me laugh. Thanks, James
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Interesting stuff, something i would never had come across had I not drunk from the fictioneer’s cup!
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It is interesting stuff, isn’t it? The things people will fight about! Thanks for stopping by.
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With some men it’s any excuse for a punch-up – or a war. I was glad to read that despite military posturing this was a bloodless conflict (well, except for the pig, of course). Well written, Lish!
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Thanks, Penny. I’ll “see” you when I return to Friday Fictioneers. Although, as I said, I’ll visit from time to time.
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Here in the South we live by a similar set of rules. You can badmouth my wife, children, or relatives, but if you speak evil or threaten my hound dog, it’s grounds for war!
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Ha! I’ll remember that next time I’m in your neck of the woods.
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Celia is a long suffering wife I imagine, and a sensible woman. Only men could start a war over potatoes and ham. Women would have invited each other over to share the spoils, surely?
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Yes. Somehow women, especially when times get tough, know how to soothe. Thanks, Sarah Ann
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A ham handed attempt to start a conflict. But interesting bit of history – didn’t boar me at all. Was it Shakespeare who said “my kingdom for bacon”?
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Ha! Thanks.
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I always like it when people blend history with fiction. It was extremely interesting.
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Thank you very much! Alicia
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Wow…crazy and fascinating. Thanks for the story and the link.
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History is so interesting, yes?
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I guess the the root cause to the conflict is right under your nose.
If life brings you pork make sausage not war.
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Oh, Bjorn! I love that idea! You made me laugh. Thank you.
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That last line about the pig in the oven. Priceless
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Thanks, that made me smile.
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Great story, and I need to follow the link to learn more. Glad they enjoyed the ham 🙂
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