54-40 or fight - Chapter 01

54-40 or Fight by Emerson Hough, dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt, is a novel exploring the western expansion of the United States initiated by James K. Polk. Since the northern boundary of Oregon was the latitude line of 54 degrees, 40 minutes, "fifty-four forty or fight!" became a popular slogan. Excerpt: "Then you offer me no hope, Doctor?" The gray mane of Doctor Samuel Ward waved like a fighting crest as he made an answer: "Not the sort of hope you ask." A moment later he added: "John, I am ashamed of you."