LAD #12

• Polk begins this war message by explaining the rationale for going to war with Mexico. He explains that he sent John Siddle, an American, to Mexico to try and diplomatically resolve the ongoing border disputes hostile actions being taken on American citizens that were plaguing the southern United States. However, the Mexican government refused to speak with Siddle, doing nothing to solve the issues. Polk also speaks of the violence displayed towards Americans by the Mexicans as a result of these border disputes. In the end, Polk determined that the actions of the Mexicans were enough justification to declare war and settle the issues once and for all.