Polk's War Message LAD #10

In 1846 after on-going fighting with Mexico, President Polk addressed congress concerning diplomatic relations with the current enemy. Previous diplomatic negotiations for peace had failed and including when America sent diplomats to Mexico and the current leader, General Paredes, refused to meet with them. The warring between the two nations had hurt both nation greatly economically because trade had once flourished between the two countries. The core of the problem was that Texas and Mexico had both claimed land and were now fighting over the boundaries. Once Texas was annexed, America felt the responsibility to defend the new Texan state and so President Polk ordered General Taylor to fight the mexicans using the American troops. Furthermore, General taylor was given the option of picking up volunteers in the surrounding states. The troops set up near the Nueces River and at Corpus Christi. In his message, Polk asked for support from Congress so that the war could come to an end quickly.