Democratic banner., 1847-03-01
Presidents Message.

FfcSident>S Message.
To the Senate and House Of Representa-
hresgf tbs United States:
Congress, by the act of the 18th Of Nav
last, declared that, 'by the act of the Re-
public of Mexico, a state of war exists be-
tween that government and the United
States" and 'for the purpose of enabling
the government of the United States, TO
prosecute said war to a speedy and success
full termination," authority was vested in
the President to employ the naval and mill
tary forces of the United States"
lthas been my unalterable purpose, since
the commencement of hostilities by Mexi-
co, and the declaration of the existence of
war by Congress. to prosecute the war in
which the country was n~navoidably involr-
ed with the utmost energy, with a view to
its speedy and successful termination by
an honorable peace.
Accordingly, all the operations of our
naval and military forces have been direct
ed with this view. While the sword las
been held in one hand, and our military
movements pressed toward into the enemy's
country, and its coasts invested by our ma
w, the tender of an honorable peace has
been constantly presented to Mexico in the
other.
Hitherto, the overtures for peace which
have been made by this government have
not been accepted by Mexico. With a view
to avoid a protracted war, which kcsitancy
and delay on our pant would be so well cal
culated to produce, | informed you, in nv
annual message of the 9Th December last.
that the war would continue to be prosecu-
ted with viG:or as the best means of secur-
ing peace" and recommended to your ear
y and favorable consideration the measures
proposed by the Secretary Of War, in the
report accompanying that message.
In my message Of the 4th Of January last,
these and other measures, deemed to be es-
%sential to the ''speedy and successful ter
mlnation" of the war, and the attainment
of a just and honorable peace, were recon-
HE nd to,your early and favorable conside-
ration.
The worst state of things which could
exist in a war with such a power as Mexico,
would be a course of INDIGESTION pnd mac
tivity on our part. Being charged by the
constitution and the avs with the conduct
OF the war, have availcd myself of all the
means at my command to prosecute it with
energy and vigor.
The act 'to raise for a limited time an
additional military force, and for other
purposes" and which authorizes the rails
ing of ten additional regiments to the reeu-
lar army, to serve during the war, and to
be d~lsbanded at its termination, which was
presented to me OH the 18th instant; and
approved on that day, will constitute an i'm
portant part of our military force. These
regiments will be raised and moved to the
seat of war with the least practicable de-
lay.
1t will be perceived that this act makes
no provision for the organization into brig
AIDES and divisions of increased force which
it authorizes, nor for the appointment of
general officers TO command it. It will be
proper that authority be given by law to
make such organization, and to appoint, BY
and with the advice and consent Of the SEN
ate, such number of major generals and
brigadier generals as the efficiency of the
service may demand. The number of Off
GERS of these grades now in service are not
more than are required for their respective
commands; but further Legislative action
during your present session will, in nv iude-
ment, be required, and to which it is nv du-
ty respectfully to invite your attention.
Should the war, contrary to my earnest
desire, De protracted to the close of the
term OF service of the volunteers now in
Mexico, who engaged for twelve months,
an additional volunteer force will probably
become necessary to supply their place
Many of the volunteers now serving in
Mexico, it is not doubted, would cheerful
ly engage, at the conclusion of their pres
ent term, to serve during the war. They
would constitute a more efficient force than
could be speedily obtained BY accepting
the services of any new corps who might
offer their services. They would have the
advantage of the experience and discipline
ayear's service, and will have become
accustomed to the climate, and be in less