LAD #10

President Polk insists on peace through honorable terms with Mexico and therefore diplomatic relations were established. However, the Mexican Government does not wish to cooperate or listen to propostions. Furthermore, the Mexican Government has crossed our boundaries and shed the blood of people on our own soil. Due to these injustices, Mr. John Slidell was sent to redress the wrongs of our citizens by the Mexican Government. Mr. Slidell was not accepted by the Government of General Herrera. Five days after Mr. Slidell was rejected, General Herrara resigned his presidency and gave the government to General Parades without a struggle. General Paredes was a military dictator which formally changed the government. Mr. Slidell then addressed his note to the new dicator yet was still unsuccessful. Because Mexico refused the US's peaceful adjustments to injustices, efficient military between Nueces and Del Norte became necessary in order to protect the people of Texas. Texas had officially become a state and was accepted into the Union on Decemeber 19, 1836 and therefore the US had to provide defense for that portion of the country. Proper stations known as ports were established in order to allow the income of supplies, provisions, water and fuel. Although preparing to fight, the US was not to attack Mexico and fighting was only to occur if Mexico initiatiated it. Fighting did not begin until April 14 where 16 men were killed or wounded. Mexico then declares that the two nations are at war and hostilities has commenced. Polk then recommends that having a volunteer force would be ideal because those are the best kind of soldiers. Also he hopes to end hostilities speedily whether Mexico is ready to make proposititions or not.