Would this Congressional Medal be given today?

[TygrBright]

I ran across something interesting today that made me think. I'm unpacking, and pulled out of a box a print of an old engraving, titled "Captain Ingraham, Vindicating American Honor." It shows some old-fashioned sailing ships (which is why we had it, I like ships,) and some sailors in a small boat. Nothing dramatic, no sails bellying, no guns firing, no storms raging... just a harbor and the ships.

Above the title "Captain Ingraham, Vindicating American Honor" is the legend: "Smyrna July 11th 1853" and underneath in smaller type is a quote, apparently from Capt. I: "Gentlemen, the man must be given up into some one's hands on the shore, else I will take him. My cause is that of justice and I cannot fail. I have stated the time."

Well, any excuse not to unpack another box, so I decided to Google "'Captain Ingraham' and 1853."

And got a quaint little story of bygone American honor:

Capt. Ingraham and his ship, the St. Louis, a relatively modest 22-gun sloop of the Mediterranean Squadron, were in Smyrna alone on a courier mission-- no backup, none of the rest of the squadron had come along. Whilst they were there, a man named Martin Kosztca, a Hungarian citizen, was arrested and detained by the commander of an Austrian brig, the Hussar. The Austro-Hungarian Empire having close ties with Turkey, there were a good many Austrian ships in the Smyrna harbor, the total guns available far outstripping the St. Louis' modest complement.

Through some combination of circumstances, Kosztca managed to contact Captain Ingraham, and the American learned that Kosztca had lived in New York for the previous two years and had declared his intent to become an American citizen. Ingraham demanded his release, and when the Austrian Captain refused, Ingraham issued an ultimatum: Turn over the would-be American by the next day or face battle with the St. Louis. He ordered his men to clear the decks and rig for battle, fully intending to back up his ultimatum even if he died for it.

A compromise was then offered whereby the Austrian tendered Kosztca to the French Consul, on shore in Smyrna, until their respective governments could sort out the legalities. For this stand, Congress subsequently awarded Ingraham a medal and voted him thanks, praising his principled and courageous stand on behalf of the principle of a sovereignty America claimed over all who even declared their intent to be Americans.

I'm just trying to wrap my head around this... unbelievable that America would regard that principle so highly that they would accept the risk of military action or even an act of war against what was then one of the most powerful Empires in the world (certainly much more so than America herself) to uphold it! I'm trying to imagine ANY American commander, ANYWHERE today, under ANY circumstances, taking such a risk on behalf of, say, a Brazilian or Mexican or Lebanese or Tibetan or Sudani individual who'd lived in the US for a couple of years and declared their intent to become a citizen. And be PRAISED and REWARDED for it by their superior(s) in the chain of command and by CONGRESS!

Would it happen?

Any takers.....?

flabbergastedly,
Bright

[TygrBright]

1. Anybody....?

Really! Try to imagine this!

It makes my head explode...

amazedly,
Bright

[TygrBright]

2. Izzere, like...

...a better place to post this?

Mods please advise?

Maybe I got it in the wrong forum.

bewilderedly,
Bright

[roguevalley]

3. Now? After a thorough review of the economic impact, they might

if it didn't endanger an oil pipeline or an arms deal. The world was different then. People lived larger on the military stage. (Andrew Jackson being one) but now they would be worried about the bottom line and someone going off the reservation on his own. The public would dig it, in my opinion, but it would be iffy if the desk jockeys would. Great story. Thank you.

[TygrBright]

4. hmmm.... Guess none of the immigration crowd...

...is going to chime in on this one, after all.

Wonder why not?

curiously,
Bright