LAD #12: Polk's War Message

A portrait of President James K. Polk.

Polk wanted peace with Mexico and sent an envoy to come to a diplomatic conclusion, but the Mexican Government refused to listen and instead invaded the U.S. The envoy, John Slidell, was received by the government under General Herrera, but the revolutionary party overthrew them and Herrera was replaced by General Paredes, who refused to admit Mr. Slidell, even though the Mexican government had been bound to receive him. Mexico threatened to invade America if Texas was annexed, so Polk stationed a military force on the boundary. The troops were later moved to the Del Norte River in between Texas and Mexico. At Matamoras, Mexican forces demanded that General Taylor's camp be broken up and retreated, and on April 24, some Americans were killed as they tried to see if Mexicans were attempting to cross the border. Polk said these things had gone on long enough while the U.S. tried to reconcile all the while, so war with Mexico was necessary and it's the people's duty to ensure the vindication of the rights and honor of the country.