LAD#10, President Polk

Message of President Polk, May 11, 1846
To the Senate and House of Representatives,

In consideration to the relations between the United States of America and Mexico, the injuries and wrongdoings of the Mexican government have yet to be addressed. After a strong desire to make an honorable peace with Mexico, the Mexican Government not only refused to receive or listen to our propositions, but after a long-continued series of menaces, have invaded our territories, and taken many innocent lives. The origin, progress, and failure of the mission of friendly peace involved meetings in October and November, and our unwillingness to forget the sufferings of our people. The determination to restore friendly relations with the United States, and to receive our minister to negotiate for the settlement, was violently assailed, as on 21st of December, the Government of General Herrera refused to accredit Mr. Slidell. The Mexican Revolution, seeing changes in the form of government and policies, was accomplished solely by military force, meant the replacement of the Government of General Herrera, with the Government to General Paredes. Mr. Slidell was forced to return home as the note addressed to the new authorities was returned with the same conditions as before. Thus the Government of Mexico violated their plighted faith and refused the offer of a peaceful adjustment of our difficulties, and a military force was raised, concentrated at Corpus Christi. Troops were meant occupy left bank of the Del Norte due to the instructions of January 13th.
As the Army was moved from Corpus Christi on the 11th of March, and on the 28th of that month arrived on the left bank of the Del Norte opposite to Matamoras, the government was made to protect the respected personal and property rights of individuals. Official fighting took place after the 14th of April, where sixteen were killed or wounded, before the Mexicans were made to surrender. With an obvious war existing between Mexico and America, the commerce between the two nations has been almost annihilated. Texas, recently viewed as an independent nation, has joined with our Union; and hopes of reconciliation with Mexico still exist, as Mexico can decide when they are ready to consider our propositions.