Letters and Diaries

Title -   Message from the President of the United States relative to an invasion and commencement of hostilities by Mexico. May 11, 1846.

Date -   May 11, 1846

Publication Information -   Messages of the President of the United States, with the correspondence, therewith communicated, between the Secretary of War and other officers of the government, on the subject of the Mexican War.   Published by: Wendall and van Benthuysen, Washington, 1848

Format -   Letters (correspondence)

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

Call Number -   E404.U59 Library Collections Depository, Special Collections

Description -   On May 11 Polk informed Congress of the attack on U.S. troops along the Rio Grande, famously declaring that “American blood” had been spilled on “American soil.” As justification for the war, the president cited Mexico’s refusal to pay outstanding claims to U.S. citizens, its refusal to recognize the annexation of Texas or the Rio Grande as the boundary, and its refusal to accept John Slidell as U.S. minister to Mexico. The war message further asked Congress to provide for additional men and supplies for Taylor’s army.