54-40 or Fight

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.»