The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-05-23

been exerting our best efforts to propi.
tiate her good will. upon the pretext
that Texas, a nation as independent as
herself, thought proper to unite its des-
tinies with our own. She has effected
to believe that we have severed her
rightful territory, and in official proc
lamation, and in manifestos, has repeat
edly threatened to make war upon US
for the purpose of reconquering Texas.
In the meantime we have tried every
effort at reconciliation. The cup OF
forbearance had been exhausted, even
before the recent information from the
frontier Of the Del Norte. But now
after reiterated MANAGES, Mexico has
passed the boundary cf the U. 5. has
invaded our territory and shed Ameri-
can blood upon American soil. She
proclaimed that hostiities had COM
menced, and that the two nations are
now at war. As war exists by the
act of Mexico herself, we are called up-
on by every consideration Of duty and
patriotism TO vindicate with decision
the honor, the rights and the interests
Of our country.
Anticipating the possibility ofa cri-
sis like that which has arrived, instruc-
lions were given in August last as q
precautionary measure against invasion
or threatened invasion, authorizing Gen.
Taylor, if the emergency required, to
accept volunteers not from Texas only,
but from the States of Louisiana, Ala
bama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Ken
tucky. And corresponding letters were
addressed to the respective Governors
OF those States. These instructions
were repeated, and in January last,
soon after the incorporation of Texas
INTO our Union of States, Gen. Taylor
was further authorized by the Presi.
dent to make a requisltion upon the
Executive OF that State for such Of its
militia force as may be needed to re-
pei invasion, or to secure the country
against apprehended invasion. %
On the second day Of March he was
again reminded in the event of the ap.
proach of any considerable Mexican
force, promptly and efficiently to use
the authority with which he was cloth
ed, to call to him such auxiliary force
as he might need. War actually exist
ing, and our territory having been in
vaded, Gen. Taylor, pursuant to au-
thority invested in him, by my direc-
tions, has called on the Governor Of
Texas for 4 regiments Of State troops.
two to be mounted and two to serve
on foot; and on the Governor Of Lou
isiana for A regiments of infantry, to be
sent to him as soon as practicable.
In further vindication Of our rights,
and the defence Of our territory, | in
woke the prompt action OF Congress, to
recognize the existence of the war, and
to place at the disposition Of the Ex-
ecutive the means Of prosecuting the
war with vigor, and thus hasten the
restoration Of peace. To this end I
recommend that authority should be
given to call into the public service a
large body Of volunteers, to serve for
| not less than SIX or Twelve montnS, uu-
less sooner discharged.
A volunteer force, is, beyond ques-
ton, more efficient than any other des-
cription OF citizen soldiers; and it is
not to be doubted, that a number far
beyond that required, would readily
rush to the field upon the call Of their
country. further recommend, thata
liberal provision be made for sustain
ing our entire military force. and fur
nishing it with supplies and munitions
OF war.
Most energetic and promptmeasures,
and the immediate appearance IN arms
Of a large and overpowering forces are
recommended to Congress as the most
certain and efficient means OF bringing
the existing collision with Mexico to
speedy and successful termination.
In making these recommendations,
| deem it proper to declare that it is my
anxious desire, not only to terminate
hostiliiies speedily, but to bring all mat
ters in dispute between this govern
ment and Mexico to an early and AMI
icable adjustment; and with this view
] shall be prepared TO renew negotia-
lions whenever Mexico shall be ready
TO receive propositions or to make prop
ositions Of her own. s'3 aH gs
transmit herewith copy Of the
correspondence between our Envoy
to Mexico and the Mexican Minister
for Foreign Affairs, and somuch ofthe
correspondence between that envoy
and the Secretary OF State, and be-
tween the Secretary of War and the
General in command on the Del Norte,
as are necessary to full understand
| ing Of the subject.
I JAMES K.hPOI.K,
1 .