LAD #10: Polk's War Message

On May 11, 1846 President Polk made a message to the Senate and House of Representatives about America’s relations with Mexico. He said that for the last few years America has been nothing but peaceful with Mexico. Polk had sent John Slidell of Louisiana to Mexico on a mission. This mission had nothing to do with violence, but only to purchase the territory of California and New Mexico. The Mexicans realized that Slidell was not only in their country for that and they sent him back home. Polk built up an army in Del Norte just in case the Mexicans attacked. They did and a few American soldiers were killed. Polk was extremely angry with this and this caused him to develop even more hatred for Mexico. The commerce between the two nations was horrible and there was no reason for peace. Polk suggested that Mexico be terminated through war.