Letters and Diaries

Title -   Diary of James K. Polk. Saturday, 9th May, 1846

Date -   May 9, 1846

Publication Information -   The Diary of James K. Polk during his Presidency, 1845 to 1849.   Published by: A.C. McClurg, Chicago, 1910

Format -   Diaries

Collection -   The University of Texas at Arlington Library, Special Collections.

Call Number -   E415.P76 v. 1

Description -   On May 9, James K. Polk stated in his regular semi-weekly meeting with his cabinet that in view of Slidell’s rejection by the Mexican government, the United States now had “ample cause of war.” Polk favored sending Congress a message recommending a declaration of war, a decision endorsed by all members of the cabinet except secretary of the navy, George Bancroft, who remarked he would feel “better satisfied” if Mexican forces had committed an act of aggression. The cabinet adjourned, having agreed to submit a war message to Congress. A few hours later, however, Polk received word that Mexican troops had attacked two companies of dragoons on the Rio Grande. Polk immediately summoned the cabinet, which unanimously endorsed the decision to ask for a declaration of war.