The crisis seemed ready to turn into an armed conflict.[185] British troops began to gather along the Saint John River. Governor John Fairfield mobilized the state militia to confront the British in the disputed territory[186] and several forts were constructed.[187] The American press clamored for war; "Maine and her soil, or BLOOD!"screamed one editorial. "Let the sword be drawn and the scabbard thrown away!"In June, Congress authorized 50,000 troops and a $10 million budget[188] in the event foreign military troops crossed into United States territory.
Van Buren was unwilling to go to war over the disputed territory, though he assured Maine that he would respond to any attacks by the British.[189] To settle the crisis, Van Buren met with the British minister to the United States, and Van Buren and the minister agreed to resolve the border issue diplomatically.[186] Van Buren also sent General Scott to the northern border area, both to show military resolve, and more importantly, to lower the tensions. Scott successfully convinced all sides to submit the border issue to arbitration. The border dispute was put to rest a few years later, with the signing of the 1842 Webster–Ashburton Treaty.