LAD #12: Polk's War Message

Polk is bringing attention of the current state of affairs between the United States and Mexico, basically a call for the declaration of war. He introduces the topic by outlining the situation, in which the United States, under his guidance, sent an envoy to the Mexico with full powers vested in him to redraw their borders, but was denied diplomatic proceedings by the Mexicans, who in turn have begun to launch attacks on American soil. Next, he addresses the proceedings in depth, telling how following the Mexican affirmation of acceptance he sent John Slidell as an envoy to work on the diplomatic issues of the Texas boundary and the compensation of the citizens of Texas. Following the revolutionary usurpation of the Mexican government, the military leader General Herrera denied Slidell's request on behalf of the new regime of General Paredes. Again, he asked Paredes, who denied his request and left the envoy to go home. Mexican aggression forced Polk to station troops in annexed Texas and protect American interests in the region. Eventually, armed conflict occurred between the belligerent armies. He concludes by stating that Mexican disregard for governmental practice, their odd notion that Texas is somehow theirs, and their general disregard for American safety, commerce, and rights have justified a war between the states, which America must partake in for the good of its liberty and privileges.