US Presidency
1845

From this example European Governments may learn how vain diplomatic arts and intrigues must ever prove upon this continent against that system of self government which seems natural to our soil, and which will ever resist foreign interference. Toward Texas I do not doubt that a liberal and generous spirit will actuate Congress in all that concerns her interests and prosperity, and that she will never have cause to regret that she has united her lone star to our glorious constellation. I regret to inform you that our relations with Mexico since your last session have not been of the amicable character which it is our desire to cultivate with all foreign nations. On the 6th day of March last the Mexican envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the United States made a formal protest in the name of his Government against the joint resolution passed by Congress for the annexation of Texas to the United States, which he chose to regard as a violation of the rights of Mexico, and in consequence of it he demanded his passports.