LAD #12: Polk's War Message, 1846

In 1846, President James Polk addressed congress with a message speaking of the relations between the U.S. and Mexico.  At the time the U.S. was fighting with Mexico despite the U.S. attempts to resolve the fighting peacefully.  These attempts had failed due to the Mexican government refusing to listen to the U.S. diplomats.  Because of the fighting with Mexico, trade which was once very good between the two countries was now suffering.  Polk then goes into detail on his attempts to resolve the fighting with Mexico peacefully.  He explains how he sent Mr. Slidell, a US diplomat over to Mexico to speak with their leader about border issues as well as the Mexican attacks on the Texans.  Although allowed into the city, the Mexican General Herrera refused to speak to Mr. Slidell.  Shortly after this General Herrera gave up power to General Paredes.  So the U.S. tried to talk to General Paredes but he too, did not listen.  Because of these failed attempts of peace, Polk asked Congress to understand his decision in taking military action, before Mexico attacked.  With U.S. General Taylor leading troops to set up Camp at Corpus Christi as well as beyond the Nueces River, Polk gave Taylor permission to use volunteer soldiers from Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky.  Polk asked Congress to understand these actions and to officially prosecute war with Mexico by sending aid to help win the war.