Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1846-05-30
have escaped all the difficulties in which

have escaped all the difficulties in which
we are now involved.
Instead OF this however, we have been
exerting our bes, efforts to propitiate her
good will. Upon the pretext that Texas,
nation as independent as herself, though,
proper to unite its destnies with our own,
she has effected TO believe that we have
severed her rightful territory, and, in off.
cial proclamations and manifestoes, has re
pea,edly threatened TO make war upon us
for the purpose Of re.conquering 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 menaces,
Mexico has passed the boundary OF the Uni
ted States, has invaded our territory, and
shed American blood upon the American
soil. She has Proclaimed that hos,ilities
have commenced, and that the two nations
are now at war.
As war exists, and notwithstanding all
our efforts 10 avoid it, exists by the act Of
Mexico, herself, we are called upon, by ev-
cry consideration Of duty and patriotism, to
vindicate, with decision the honor, the
iRhkSs anu tiiC VI Jul Couhtys
Anticipating the possibility Of crisis
like that which has arrived, instructions
were given in August last, Gas precau.
tionary measure" against invasion, or
threatened invasion, authorizing Gen. Tay.
lor, it the emergency required, 10 accept
volunteers, not from Texas only, but from
the states Of Louisiana, Alabama, Mlssissi.
pi, Tennessee, and Kentucky and CORES.
ponding letters were addressed to the res.
pective governors Of those states. These
instructions were repeated; and in January
last, soon after the incorporation Of Tex.
as into our union Of Siates," General Tay
lor was further "aulhorized by the Presi-
dent to make requsition upon the execu.
tive Of that state for such OF its military
force as may be needed TO repe invasion or
10 secure the country against apprehended
INVASION" On the I'd day Of March he
was again reminded, Sin the event of the
approach Of any comfortable Mexican force,
promptly and efficiently TO use the author.
ty with which he was clothed to call TO him
such auxiliary force as he might need" War
actually existing, and our territory having
been invaded, General Taylor, pursuant TO
authority vested in him by my direction,
has called on the governor OF Texas for four
egiments OF State troops--two to be noun
red, and two to serve on loot; and on the
governor Of Louisiana for four regiments Of
infantry, to be sent to him as soon as prac-
tcabe.
In further vindication of our rights and
defence Of our territory, invoke the prompt
action Of Congress to recognize the exis-
tence OF the war, and to place at the dispo.
sition OF the Executive the means Of prose,
cutting the war with vigor, and thus hasten
! ing the restoration Of peace. To this end
recommend that authority should be given
10 call into the public service large body
oil volunteers 10 serve for not less than six
or twelve months unless sooner dischared.
A volunteer force is, beyond question, more
efficient than any other description Of citi.
number far beyond that required would
readily rush TO The field upon the call Of their
country. further recommend that lib
eral provision be made for sustaining our en-.
tire military force, and furnishing it with
supplies and munitions of war.
The most energetic and prompt measures
and the immediate appearance in arms OF
large and overpowerIng force, are recon-
mended to Congress as the most certain
and efficient means Of bringing the existing
collision with Mexico to speedy and sue
cessiul termination.
In making these recommendations, deem
it proper to declare that it is my anxions de,
SIRE not only to terminate hostities speed.
ly, but TO bring all matters in dispute be-
tween this government and Mexico to an
early and amicable adjustment; and, in this
view, shall be prepared 10 renew negotl-
atoms, whenever Mexico shall be ready 10
receive propositions, or to make PROPOSE
lions of her own.
transmit herewith copy Of the cores
pondence between our envoy to Mexico
and the Mexican minister for foreign affairs;
and so much Of the correspondence between
that envoy and the Secretary Of State, and
between the Secretary of War and the gen.
eral in command on the Del Norte, as are
necessary to q full understanding of the sub
ject. JAMES X. POLk.
WASHINGTON, May II, 1916.
By the President Of the U. S. of America.