LAD #12: Polk's War Message

     Polk beings by stating that the tension between the United States and Mexico gavehim the right to bring this issue to congress.  He then claimed that the United States government attempted resolve the issues with their neighboring country by sending an American envoy, John Siddle. John Siddle sought to diplomatically resolve the border disputes and hostilities committed upon American citizens in the southern portion of the country and in Texas by speaking to the head of the Mexican government, General Herrera.  The Mexican government, under revolt, chose to not speak with Siddle and therefore, failed to resolve the existing tensions between the two nations.  Mexico then displayed utter violence toward American soldiers stationed between the Nuces and the Del Norte  in Texas. This region had become part of the Union when Texas was annexed in 1836.  The confrontation with Mexicans in this region resulted in the casualties of 16 United States troops.  President Polk then decided that this gave the United States a good reason to engage in war with Mexico, especially considering the history of Mexican hostility towards American citizens.