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Skagit River Journal

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The scattergun of destiny:
Lyman A. Cutlar and the (almost) Pig War of 1859

By Ray Jordan, 1974, from his book, Yarns of the Skagit Country
Transcribed by Larry Spurling
(The shotgun)
Caption: "Senator Henry Jackson examined Cutlar's shotgun with Crook and Mrs. Rhoda Anderson." Scoop needs no introduction, but we hope a reader can identify the two other people. See the follow-up story about Cutlar and his ranch near Blanchard in this new story from Issue 57 of the Online Subscribers-paid magazine.
      Having been the victim of a lifelong affection for firearms it was with great interest last summer (1969) that I viewed the famous shotgun, once wielded by Lyman A. Cutler, on display at the Washington State Historical Museum in Tacoma. [JournalEd. note: Cutlar's name was sometimes spelled Cutler, but Michael Vouri established Cutlar as the correct spelling.]
      On Jun 15, 1859, Cutler became displeased with a Hudson's Bay Company pig rooting in his potato patch and fired the shot with this shotgun that eventually precipitated us into ownership of the beautiful San Juan Island group. The catalyst was a burst of temper and the only casualty was one pig.
      To anyone interested in ordinance statistics: Cutler's shotgun is a muzzleloader, double barreled, 10-gauge fowling piece with twist barrels 30 inches long. It operates on the percussion principle, that is, it uses percussion caps instead of a flint to touch off the powder charge.
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      It is thought to be of English make, though no name has been found on it anywhere. (It is possible that there is a hidden proof mark not yet discovered.)
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We recently visited our newest sponsor, Plumeria Bay, which is based in Birdsview, just a short walk away from the Royal family's famous Stumpranch, and is your source for the finest down bedding. See our Journal feature on this local business and learn more details and how to order items at their website.
      I was surprised at the neat appearance of this gun which reflects the advanced design and workmanship of English gun makers, or others, at such an early date. It was in use in 1859, but there is no telling how much earlier it was made.
      The stock shows excellent woodworking skill and the sleek lines of the weapon gives the impression that it is no larger than a 12 gauge. Except for the old fashioned hammers and twist barrels it compares favorably with many of the modern doubles being sold today.
      According to Cutler's estate probate records, this gun listed as "1 Double baril Shot Gun" appraised at $25, was purchased by D.F. Thomas of Edison for $14 at the sale of Cutler's personal property held at his claim in the Samish Valley on June 13, 1874.
      The weapon was in the possession of the Thomas family until 1927 when it was presented to the State Museum, according to museum records.
      If this shooting iron could talk, what tales it could tell!
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Story posted on March 1, 2005, moved to this domain Nov. 1, 2011
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This article originally appeared in Issue 26 of our Subscribers-paid Journal online magazine

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