The War with Mexico/Volume 2/Notes On Chapter 34

by Justin Harvey Smith

 

 

XXXIV. THE WAR IN AMERICAN POLITICS

1. The chief sources for this chapter were personal correspondence, the debates of Congress, and periodicals representing all shades of politics. The leading newspapers were examined for every day of the war and also before and after it.

2. Parker, Sermon. Rhodes, U. S., i, 88. Weekly N. Y. Herald, May 23. No. Amer., May 15, 21. 191Fairfield to wife, July 10, 1846.

3. London Times, Aug. 31. Welles papers (account of 29 Cong., 2 sess.). 108Marcy to Bancroft, Apr. 28, 1847. Calhoun Corresp., 717 (to T. G. C.), 1096 (Fisher). 13Pakenham, nos. 119, 132, 1846; 6, 9, 1847. 139Gentry to C., Feb. 20, 1847. 139A.to D. C., Jan. 20, 1847. Journal des Débats, Nov. 4, 1846. (Elections) N. Y. Tribune, Nov. 26, 1847; 132Stokes to Buchanan, Jan. 3, 1847; Welles papers; Schurz, Clay, ii, 289; Von Holst, U.S., iii, 336; N. Y. Herald, Nov. 7, 14, 1846; Wash. Union, Oct. 16, 22; Nov. 9, 14, 19, 27, 1846; May 5, 1847; Nat. Intellig., Nov. 7, 1846. Pub. Ledger, Dec. 23, 1846. In the winter we find some state legislatures passing resolutions (Ho. 93, 97; 29, 2) in favor of prosecuting the war, but these are signs of prevailing discouragement.

4. (Nomination and election) Smith, Annex. of Texas, 250-2, 310-5. 345Gilpin to Van Buren, May 24, 1846. 234A. Johnson to ——, July 22, 1846, private. London Times, July 15, 1846. Welles papers. Nat. Intellig., Nov. 20, 1847. (Cabinet) Polk, Diary, Feb. 8, 1847; 345Blair to Van Buren, Jan. 29; Feb. 29, 1848; 297correspond. between Polk and M. Van Buren, C. Johnson, A. V. Brown and others, Dec., 1844 — -Feb., 1815; Poore, Perley's Remins., i, 334; Welles papers; 297Simpson to Polk, Nov. 13, 1848. (Myself) Tenn. Hist. Mag., Sept., 1915 (to C. J., Dec. 21, 1844). Boston Atlas, Dec. 31, 1846. 206Mangum to Graham, Feb. 21, 1845. (Polk's discretion distrusted) Cong. Globe, 29, 1, pp. 554 (Allen), 567 (Webster).

What is said of Polk in this and succeeding paragraphs should be supplemented by referring to vol. i, pp. 128-9 and to the concluding chapter.

5. For a study of Polk's character see vol. i, pp. 128-9. 345Pauling to Van Buren, Feb. 5, 1847. (Pillow) Polk to Johnson, May 17 [14], 1844: Tenn. Hist. Mag., Sept., 1915. Seward, Seward at Washington, 1, 37, 51. 345Frearoon to Van Buren, Jan. 23, 1847. 345Blair to V. B., Jan. 29, 1848. Tyler, Tyler, ii, 457 (Gardiner). 345G. A. Worth to V. B., Mar. 20, 1847. 139Gentry to Campbell, Feb. 20, 1847. Schurz, Clay, ii, 289. Von Holst, U. S., iii, 273, 292, 336. Boston Atlas, Dec. 12, 1846. Benton, Abr. Debates, xvi, 75 (Badger). Kohl, Claims, 71.

Taking advantage of the feeling about Polk's personality and methods, his enemies felt warranted in straining points against him. It was called treachery to negotiate with Santa Anna while negotiating with Paredes (No. American, Dec. 15, 1846), even though the latter negotiation had practically ended before the former began. His dwelling upon our claims against Mexico in his annual Message of 1846, which it was quite proper to do in reviewing the Mexican situation, was represented as an afterthought, intended to justify a blow already struck and discrediting the assertion that Mexico had caused the war by invading our territory (Boston Atlas, Dec. 12, 1846) It was pointed out that the proclamation sent to Taylor for distribution ascribed to the United States aims different from those professed in the Message of May 11 (Nat. Intellig, Aug. 14, 1846), as if Polk could be required to say everything every time.

6. 256Marcy to Wetmore, Jan. 21; Oct. 5; Nov. 7; Dec. 12, 1846. Welles papers. 345Wright to Van Buren, Nov. 10, 1846. 345Cambrelong to Id., Nov. 30. 345Thompson to Id., Dec. 23. 345Blair to Id., Dec. 26. . 345Albany Atlas, extra, Dec., 1846. 345G. A. Worth to V. B., Mar. 20, 1847. 253Mower to McLean, Aug. 27, 1846. 132Wright to Buchanan, Sept. 8, 10, 1846. Bigelow, Tilden, i, 110-1. Blaine, Twenty Years, i, 78. Buchanan, Works, viii, 365-7. 234A. Johnson to; July 22, 1846, private.

The "Conservative" party arose in 1837 from the opposition to Van Buren's sub-treasury plan, which Silas Wright championed. Many honest Conservatives, realizing they had been mistaken, left the party; but their places were taken by canal claimants.

7. Welles papers. Calhoun Correspond., 713 (to Mrs. C.). (Hang) 234A. Johnson to ——, July 22, 1846 — (Office-seekers) Polk, Diary, Feb. 24; Apr. 7, 1847, etc. (Oregon) Polk, Diary, Feb. 24, 1846; Polit. Sci. Qtrly., xxvi, 458 (R. L. Schuyler); Cong. Globe, 29, 1, p. 815 (Delano); Boston Atlas, May 20, 1846; Blaine, Twenty Years, i, 65; Wash. Union, Aug. 18, 1846. (Veto) 253Mower to McLean, Aug. 8, 1846; 1083Appleton to Bancroft, July 16, 1847; Wash. Union, Aug. 3, 1846, quoting Nat. Intellig.; N. Y. Herald, Aug. 15, 1846; No. American, Jan. 14; Dec. 20, 1847. (Generals) Von Holst, U. S., iii, 298; Rhodes, U. S., i, 89; Buchanan, Works, viii, 365-7; Calhoun Corresp., 727-8 (to D.G.). 345Butler to Van Buren, Nov. 6, 1847.

8. Lowell, Biglow papers, i, 59. (Adams) 260Winthrop to N. Hale, Wash., "Sunday." (Giddings) Wash. Union, June 30; July 2, 1846. Cole, Whig Party, 118-9. Smith, Annex. of Texas, 258-80. Cong. Globe, 29, 1, p. 309. (La.) Vol. i, p. 205 and note 3; N. Orl. Jeffersonian in Nat. Intellig., Aug. 28, 1846; Wash. Union, June 30; July 2; Aug. 11, 1846. Calhoun Corresp., 1096-7 (Fisher). N. Y. Tribune, May 13; Dec. 15, 1846. 137Prescott to Calhoun, Aug. 20, 1847.

9. Ho. 85; 29, 2. 253Mower to McLean, Aug. 8, 1846. Taussig, Tariff Hist., 114-5. 345Welles to Van Buren, July 28, 1846. London Times, Dec. 3, 1846. Courrier des Etats Unis, Oct. 17; Nov. 6, 1846. N. Y. Sun, July 9, 1846. N.Y. Express, Nov. 10, 17, 21, 30, 1846. Niles, July 18, p. 305 (Sentinel); Aug. 1, p. 345 (Nat. Intellig.); Sept. 12, p. 17, 1846. Boston Courier, July 8, 1846. Blaine, Twenty Years, i, 65. Boston Atlas, Jan. 6, 1847. Wash. Union, Aug. 18, 28, 1846. Nat. Intellig., Aug. 5, 1846. N. Y. Tribune, Dec. 3, 1846. No. American, July 16, 17; Aug. 1; Dec. 9, 1846. (Betrayed) Smith, Annex. of Texas, 314.

10. 241W. to J. Kent, Dec. 11, 1846; Jan. 17; Mar. 5, 1847. Amer. Review, Oct., 1847, 333-46. Johnston and Browne, Stephens, 210-1. London Times, Dec. 3, 1846. Sherman Letters, 38-9. Webster, Writings, x, 12. Winthrop, Winthrop, 61. 13Pakenham, no. 98, 1846. N. Y. Sun, Aug. 28, 1846. No. American, Dec. 30, 1846; Jan. 18, 1847. Rhodes, U. S., i, 91. Wash. Union, Sept. 30, 1846 (Mass. convention). Nat. Intellig., July 18; Dec. 25, 1846; Apr. 17; Nov. 20, 1847. St. Louis Republican, July 23, 1846. Journ. of Comm. in Wash. Union, Aug. 6, 1847.

Stephen A. Douglas, who stood quite close to the administration, said in the Senate: "Conquest was not the motive for the prosecution of the war; satisfaction, indemnity, security, was the motive — conquest and territory the means" (Cong. Globe, 30, 1, app., 222).

11. Ho. 23, 81, 85; 29, 2. Sen. 97; 29, 2. Webster, Writings, ix, 260; x, 12; xii, 359. Sherman Letters, 38-9. Boston Advertiser, Oct. 3, 1846. Niles, Sept. 18, 1847, p. 44. Rhodes, U.S., 1, 91. Blaine, Twenty Years, 1, 65. Winthrop before the Mass. convention (note 10). Courrier des Etats Unis, Oct. 17; Nov. 6, 1846. Wash. Union, Apr. 29, 1847. Pierce, Sumner, ui, 140, 144, 146. Lowell, Biglow papers, i, 56. Livermore, War, 92. Curtis, Webster, 1, 324. Amer. Review, 1847, p. 441. 13Pakenham, no. 98, 1846. Benton, Abr. Debs., xvi, 54 (Morehead). (West) 198Berrien to Gallatin, June 7, 1848. The North American of Oct. 8, 1847, used this language: "The abstract question of the extension of slavery is not the only nor the greatest issue of this contest. The great question is, shall we become the dependants and vassals of a Southern political ascendancy? . . . The nabobs of the South will dictate to us the terms upon which, in the face of their hostile policy, we shall struggle for existence. Our agriculture, our manufactures, our commerce, will be committed to their guardianship — the guardianship of the wolf over the lamb." At the Springfield Whig convention, Sept. 29, 1847, Webster said he would "resist any further increase of slave representation,' which meant the same thing (Writings, xiii, 362). Nat. Intellig., Dec. 29, 1846. Cong. Globe, 29, 1, app., 919 (G. Davis). (Heroes) 345Law to Van Buren, Aug. 2, 1847. Welles papers. Calhoun Corresp., 1096-7 (Fisher). Nat. Intellig., May 13, 1846. London Times, Dec. 18, 1846. 13Pakenham, no. 93, 1846. Louisville Journal, Mar. 31, 1847. N. Y. Express, Apr. 2, 1847. Wash. Union, Aug. 13, 1847. (Debasement, etc.) Amer. Review, 1847, p. 441; Lyell, Second Visit (N. Y., 1849), 1, 257; Ho. 81; 29, 2; Monitor Repub., Feb. 2, 1847 (quoting Boston Atlas); Nat. Intellig., Nov. 28 (quoting N. Y. Eve. Post); Dec. 29, 1846; Norfolk Herald, Apr. 12, 1847; etc.

12. N. Y. Tribune, May 19, 1846. Cong. Globe, 29, 1, pp. 788 (Crittenden), 835. Welles papers. 169Rives to Crittenden, Feb. 5, 1847. Hammond, Wright, 672. Von Holst, U. S., iii, 252. Amer. Review, Feb., 1847, 109, 118. Wash. Union, Mar. 19, 1847. Schurz, Clay, 1, 289. Detroit Free Press, Nov. 28, 1846. Cincin. Enquirer, Dec. 16, 1846. No. American, May 12, 1846. N. Y. Herald, Dec. 19, 1846. (Capital) 139Fulton to Campbell, Jan. ——, 1847.

The proper stand for the Whigs was pointed out by Gov. Briggs of Massachusetts in general orders: "Whatever may be the difference of opinion as to the origin" of the war, the constitutional authorities have declared that a war exists; patriotism and humanity dictate that it should be brought to a speedy and successful end; hence all should coöperate (Niles, July 11, 1846, pp. 298-4). It will be noted that the author is dealing in this chapter with politics, not the convictions of private persons, which, even when mistaken, were entitled to respect, because sincere and associated with worthy sentiments.

13. Nat. Intellig., May 13, 15; July 18; Sept. 19, 1846; Jan. 27; Aug. 5; Dec. 11, 1847. 253Mower to McLean, Mar. 1, 1847. Cong. Globe, 29, 1, app., 919 (G. Davis); 29, 2, 34-6 (Giddings). Boston Atlas, May 15, 18, 20; June 11, 1846. Balt. American, Dec. 2, 1846. N. Y. Tribune, May 26, 1846; Sept. 3; Nov. 18, 1847; Jan. 7, 1848. Cong. Globe, 30, 1, 566 (Hilliard). ($68) [Tribune] Whig Almanac, 1847, p. 21. (Express) Wash. Union, June 19, 1847. These and the citations of the following notes could be multiplied.

14. Smith, Annex. of Texas, 274-5. 198J. R. Ingersoll to Gallatin, Dec. 25, 1847. Benton, Abr. Debates, xvi, 78 (Colquitt). Louisville Journal, Sept. 17, 1847. Cong. Globe, 29, 1, app., 643 (Giddings); 30, 1, app., 227 (Cobb). Mr. Winthrop's Vote on the War Bill. Webster at Phila. (Writings, iv, 26-34). Wash. Union, Dec. 6, 1847. N. Y. Tribune, May 15, 1846. N. Y. Courier and Enquirer, Aug. 31, 1847. Giddings, Speeches, 259. .

15. N. Y. Tribune, May 13, 1846. 130Gentry to Campbell, Feb. 20, 1847. Wash. Union, May 12; Oct. 1, 1846; May 15, 1847. Cong. Globe, 29, 1, pp. 815, 981; app., 928-32. Boston Atlas, Dec. 11, 1846; May 13, 1847. Ky. Observer, July 8, 1846, in Wash. Union, July 14. N. Y. Tribune, May 13, 1846. Winthrop, Speeches, i, 573-4. Nicolay and Hay, Lincoln, 1, 317-20, 327-45. Cong. Globe, 30, 1, pp. 154-6 (Lincoln's speech). Though Lincoln's speech was later than the time referred to in the text, his argument was not. (Conn.) Clark, Conn., 200-1.

16. 375Taylor to Davis, Feb. 16, 1848, in Madigan, cat., 1914. Pennsylvanian, Nov. 4, 1846. Winthrop, Speeches, 1, 574. N. Y. Eve. Post, June 4, 1846. Wash. Union, July 14, 1846; Mar. 29, 31; Aug. 16, 20, 1847; Jan. 2, 13, 1848. U.S. Gazette, Oct. 13, 1846. Cong. Globe, 29, 1, pp. 534 (Brinkerhoff); app., 916 (Hudson). Boston Atlas, Dec. 11, 1846; May 13, 1847. Nat. Intellig., May 16; Oct. 19; Dec. 18, 1846; Apr. 17; May 17; June 22, 1847. N. Y. Courier and Enquirer, Aug. 9, 17, 1847. *(Recognized) Crittenden's amendment: vol. i, p. 473; Cong. Globe, 30, 1, p. 276. (Smallness) Vol. i, pp. 161, 455-6, 4€4.

Another interesting fact was that on Mar. 26, 1846, McIlvaine of the House, discussing an appropriation bill, raised the issue that in sending Taylor to the Rio Grande Polk had been "invading Mexico," yet, although the bill was objectionable from several points of view, it passed by a vote of 111 to 38 (Cong. Globe, 29, 1, pp. 558, 574). See also Lumpkin's speech, ibid., 834-7. Polk was mercilessly ridiculed for believing that Santa Anna would favor peace, but his opponents had to admit that a Whig general, Taylor, believed (or appeared to believe) Ampudia's assertions to the same effect (chap. xii, p. 504) made under circumstances that rendered the idea far less plausible.

17. See vol. ii, p. 73. Wash. Union, Feb. 25, 1847. St. Louis Republican, July 3, 1847. McCulloch, Men and Measures, 65. Seward, Autob. of W. H. S., 774. An undated slip from the Chicago Times, found by the author, contained a letter from Burlington, Ia., which stated that Col. Sweney, proprietor of the Barret House, had known Corwin well from boyhood on, and that he had heard Corwin say with tears in his eyes that his speech was made by arrangement with Webster and others, who desired to prevent the appropriation of more money for the war, and agreed to follow Corwin.

18. For a discussion of the Philadelphia speech see vol. i, p. 458. Webster, Writings, iv, 7; ix, 253; xiii, 348-50. Public Ledger, Dec. 6, 15, 1846. N. Y. Tribune, Dec. 4, 7, 1846. N. Y. Herald, Aug. 22, 1846. N. Y. Sun, Dec. 5, 1846. Wash. Union, Dec. 2, 4, 7, 11, 1846; Mar. 10; Oct. 14, 16, 1847. Charleston Mercury, Dec. 8, 1846. 253Dowling to McLean, Mar. 24, 1848. Nov. 6, 1846, at Faneuil Hall, Boston, Webster called forth rapturous applause by saying, in a manner quite unworthy of a Senator and a great constitutional lawyer, "In my judgment it is an impeachable offence" for the President so to act as to involve the country in war without the consent of Congress (Niles, Nov. 21, p. 186). This, if it meant anything, was a begging of the question. Webster could not deny that the President had a right to repel invasion without consulting Congress, and Polk believed the Mexicans had invaded our territory, thus precipitating the war.

Polk's Message of May 11 mentioned, as was natural, the rejection of Slidell and the failure of Mexico to pay our claims, but its practical gist was contained in the following sentence: "As war exists, and, notwithstanding all our efforts to avoid it, exists by the act of Mexico herself, we are called upon by every consideration of duty and patriotism to vindicate with decision the honor, the rights, and the interests of our country."

19. (Independent, ground) Webster, Writings, iv, 24; xiii, 351. (Senseless, fight) Ibid., ix, 157-60. (Prosecute) Ibid., iv, 33; N. Y. Tribune, Dec. 3, 1846. (Refused) Writings, ix, 157. (Approve) Pierce, Sumner, ili, 112. (Narrow) Webster, Letters, 350. (Tired) Writings, xviii, 246. Lowell, Biglow Papers, 1, 54, etc. (see a paper, written by the present author, on the Biglow papers in Mass. Hist. Soc. Proceeds., May, 1912, p. 602).

20. (Jay) Pellew, Jay, 310. The clerical quotations in the text are from a non-partisan paper, the N. Y. Herald, Feb. 20, 1847. The extract from Osgood may be found in his Solemn Protest, p. 13. That from Parish the author has not been able to verify, but presumably it was correct. That such sentiments were entertained will not be questioned. Osgood denounced the authors of the war as "desperate in wickedness,"' etc. See quotations from him and others in Cong. Globe, 29, 1, app., 930-1. Weekly N. Y. Herald (non-partisan), Jan. 16, 1847: They who oppose this war will one day stand before the country like the men of the Hartford Convention. Pierce, Sumner, iii, 139.

21. Boston Atlas, May 18, 20, 1846. Monitor Repub., Feb. 2, 1847. Nat. Intellig., May 11; Oct. 15 (Thompson), 26, 1847; Jan. 26, 1848. (Hudson) Cong. Globe, 29, 2, p. 418. N. Y. Tribune, Nov. 6, 1847. (Calhoun) Benton, Abr. Debates, xvi, 58. Wash. Union, Sept. 24, 1846; June 2, 1847. Diario, Dec. 20, 1846. Meade, Letters, i, 180. (Joy) Boston Daily Chronotype in N. Y. Globe, May 14, 1847. 137McLane to Calhoun, Jan. 18, 1848. Richardson, Messages, iv, 473. (1813-14) Wash. Union Dec. 10, 1846. See also vol. ii, p. 125.

In the office of the sec. of relaciones was found a large collection of tracts from American speeches and newspapers (N. Y. Herald, Feb. 5, 1848: Gen. Pierce). Whig Journals assured Mexico that her cause was just; that a majority of the Americans detested the war; that our treasury could not bear the cost; that our government was incompetent; that it was disloyal to our commanders; that our armies could not win the war; that soon the administration would be rebuked and its policy be reversed. The government "stand ready to yield anything that Mexico may demand as the price of peace, asserted the N. Y. Courier and Enquirer (Wash. Union, July 10, 1847). For numerous other quotations see Cong. Globe, 30, 1, app., 347. April 27, 1847, El Progreso of Querétaro said: The peace party in the United States have been encouraging us to sustain ourselves until we could obtain from them a satisfactory arrangement of our difficulties as soon as they should come into power" (Wash. Union, May 28, 1848).

22. 256Marcy to Wetmore, Jan. 21; Dec. 5, 12, 1846. Welles papers (Review of Pol. Hist. of U. S.; 2d sess. of 29 Cong.). 253Mower to McLean, Aug. 27, 1846. 345Blair to Van Buren, Jan. 20; Nov. 27, 1846. 345Gilpin to Van Buren, May 24, 1846. 345Thompson to Van Buren, Dec. 23, 1846. 345M. Van B., Jr., to Van Buren [Apr. 28, 1846]. Polk, Diary, July 13; Sept. 11, 1846; Jan. 5, 1847. 108Appleton to Bancroft, Feb. 24, 1847. 108Wescott to Bancroft, Mar. 1, 1848. 253Reed to McLean, Oct. 26, 1846. 206J. Graham to Gov. G., Jan. 10, 1847. Courrier des Etats Unis, Oct. 17, 1846. 379Ewing to, Mar. 11, 1846. Wash. Union, Nov. 19, 1846. Niles, May 16, 1846, p. 175. 234A. Johnson to July 22, 1846, private. N.Y. Journ. of Comm., Dec. 9, 1846. N. Y. Herald, Nov. 14, 1846. Bragg to Van Buren, Mar. 10, 1847. Seward, Seward at Washington, i, 37, 68, 71. "Old Hunkers" and "Barnburners" (the Van Buren wing) were the two N. Y. factions.

23. Welles papers: note 22. 253M. Brown to McLean, June 5, 1846. Bragg: note 22. 345Gilpin to Van Buren, May 24, 1846; Apr. 6, 1847. Seward, Seward at Washington, i, 37, 51. Nat. Intellig., Jan. 6, 1847. Picayune, Feb. 26, 1848. N. Y. Journ. Comm., Jan. 7, 1847. Public Ledger, Feb. 12, 1847. N. Y. Tribune, Jan. 12, 1847. Polk, Diary, Nov. 7, 1845; Jan. 28; Mar. 22, 23, 1846; Jan. 14, 1847. 345Blair to Van Buren, Nov. 27, 1846. Boston Atlas, Jan. 9, 1847. 345Welles to Van Buren, July 28, 1846. 256Marcy to Wetmore, Apr. 23, 1848. (Aspirants) 231Jackson to Blair, Dec. 14, 1844.

24. The author's remarks on Benton, Calhoun and Cass are based on sources too numerous to be specified, and will not, it is believed, raise any question. The principal out-of-the-way sources are the following: Welles papers: note 22. 137aCalhoun to Mathews, Sept. 19, 1847. 210Hammond-Simms corresp., Mar. — Nov., 1847. 253M. Brown to McLean, June 5, 1846. 345Blair to Van Buren, Jan. 20, 1846. 345Poinsett to Van Buren, June 4, 1847. 345Gilpin to Van Buren, Nov. 23, 1845. London Times, Apr. 17, 1847. 206J. Graham to brother, Jan. 10, 1847. Polk, Diary, May 21; June 22, 29, 30, 1846; Jan. 9, 14, 15, 22; Feb. 8, 13; Apr. 7, 16, 1847. 108Appleton to Bancroft, Feb. 24, 1847. Calhoun Corresp., 707 (to T. G. C.). 132King to Buchanan, Oct. 5, 1847. Calhoun, Works, iv, 371. Boston Atlas, June 1, 1846. Boston Courier, Feb. 23, 1847. Penna. Mag., xi, 462 (Dallas, Dec. 16). 168D. H. Lewis, May 11, 1848. Wash. Union, Feb. 13, 18; Mar. 15, 17; Apr. 5, 1847. N. Y. Journ. Comm., Feb. 15, 1847. Public Ledger, Feb. 12, 16, 1847. 210Tucker to Hammond, Apr. 24, 1847. Allen of Ohio, noted for vanity and a powerful voice, felt so disgusted about the outcome of the Oregon business, that at the beginning of this session he threw up the chairmanship of the committee on foreign relations and declined to serve on any committee. Niles, an excellent man, was a protectionist, like the Pennsylvania Senators. Hannegan was a man of force but a rabid westerner. He, Dickinson and Breese were distinctly Cass men. Calhoun's partisans were Butler (So. Carolina), Lewis (Alabama) and the Florida senators, while Colquitt and Speight were thought to be guided considerably by him; but as time went on his influence over most of this group waned. Of the Whig Senators Webster spent most of his time in the practice of law. Crittenden was in general honest and sensible; but he and Clayton had induced Jarnagin to vote for Walker's tariff, believing that it would discredit the Democrats, and the failure of this unworthy trick damaged their prestige considerably. Clayton had unusual ability and experience, but was crafty and insincere. Mangum enjoyed a deserved respect, but was not of striking ability.

Of the House Democrats, P. King stood high in the confidence of his colleagues, and had no little skill in leading. C.J. Ingersoll was the most important Pennsylvanian, but his attainments and eloquence were accompanied by erratic judgment. Thurman surpassed the other Ohio Representatives in good conduct and talents, but Brinkerhoff displayed more activity than he. Douglas ranked first in the Illinois group, and perhaps first among the supporters of the administration in the House. Dromgoole (Virginia) possessed remarkable legislative abilities and reputation; but did not care to exert himself overmuch. McKay (North Carolina) and Haralson (Georgia) were chairmen, respectively, of the ways and means and the military committees, but did not distinguish themselves. Rhett, an able and acute man, was a more consistent representative of South Carolina principles than Calhoun. Of the Whigs Severance (Maine) possessed more than average ability. Winthrop (Massachusetts) was a gentleman, a fine speaker and debater, honest, scholarly and conservative — an ideal public man. Hudson (Massachusetts) had energy and character but was too partisan. J. R. Ingersoll (Pennsylvania) had good abilities and good sense. Giddings (Ohio) has to be considered a calculating fanatic, not enthusiast, of the abolition school. Vinton (Ohio) stood among the best on either side of the House in wisdom, sincerity and good conduct.

25. Welles papers: note 22. 13Pakenham, no. 150, 1846. Von Holst, U. S., iii, 252-4. 139Fulton to Campbell, Jan. ——, 1847. 198Ingersoll to Gallatin, Dec. 25, 1847. (Embassy) Webster, Writings, ix, 157, see vol. ii, p. 123; Wash. Union, June 27; Oct. 1,1846. Public Ledger, Dec. 8, 1846. (Sublimity) No. American, Jan. 11, 1847. Pierce, Sumner, iii, 111, 139. Charleston Mercury, Jan. 26, 27, 1847. 256Marcy to. Wetmore, Dec. 5, 12, 1846. (The generals, etc.) Marcy to W., Nov. 14, 1846; Greeley, Recolls., 211; Welles papers; 345Wright to Van Buren, Jan. 28, 1847; 169Letcher to Crittenden, Dec. 20, 1847; 13Crampton, no. 9, 1848; Johnston and Browne, Stephens, 224; Calhoun Corresp., 713, 715-6 (to Mrs. C.); 108Buchanan to Bancroft, June 14, 1847; 206J. Graham to Gov. G., Jan. 10, 1847; 181Buchanan to Donelson, May 13, 1847; Wash. Union, Jan. 30. Scott was "in" politics but inactive.

"Old Whitey," it will be recalled, was Taylor's favorite horse. When the author refers to the course of "the Whigs" or "the Democrats" it is to be understood, of course, that exceptions existed. 26. The principal speeches have been cited elsewhere. They are to be found, of course, in the Congressional Globe under the proper headings, and less fully in Benton's Abridged Debates. Public Ledger, Feb. 25, 1847. 191F airfield to wife, Apr. 14, 1846.

27. See particularly the debate on the $3,000,000 bill and the Ten Regiment bill, and, in the House, the Loan bill. Wash. Union, May 18, 1846.

28. Polk, Diary, Dec. 19, 1846. Benton, View, ii, 678. House proceedings in Cong. Globe, 29, 2, Dec. 8-16. Richardson, Messages, iv, 906-7, 594-600. U.S. vs. Rice: 4 Wheaton, 246, 253. Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, § 1318. Butler, Treaty-making Power, i, 128, 168-9. (Decision, Castine, Harrison) Wash. Union, Dec. 11, 15, 26, 1846; Dec. 12, 1847. Kent, Commentaries, i, 282. Cong. Globe, 29, 2, app., 130, col. 1. Von Holst, U. S., ii, 261, note 1, 386. (Kearny a Whig) Richmond Whig in Nat. Intellig., Oct. 19, 1846. (Unhappy) Amer. Review, Feb., 1848, p. 110. Public Ledger, Feb. 8, 1847.

The National Intelligencer had the hardihood to state (Dec. 25, 1846): "It is the opinion of the President that the fact of conquest annexes foreign provinces to the United States." The Texans complained because the part of New Mexico claimed by them was occupied by Kearny; but since the enemy had held it by military force this action was proper, ind Buchanan assured Henderson that the temporary military occupation would not affect the rights of his state (Buchanan, Works, vii, 215). The author did not find Harrison's proclamation in Ms.; but Mr. D. M. Matteson discovered it in Niles, Nov. 27, 1813, p. 215. Copies of official documents in the Burton Historical Collection, kindly furnished to the author, throw further light on the fact that American sovereignty over a portion of Canada was declared in 1813. The subject is certainly an interesting one.

29. The Whigs wished to repeal all of the new fiscal policy. Welles papers: note 22. Wash. Union, Mar. 9, 1847. Lyell, Second Visit(N. Y., 1849), 256. Public Ledger, Dec. 8, 1846. (Nat. Intellig.) Charleston Mercury, Jan. 12, 26, 1847. Pierce, Sumner, 11, 122. Niles, Jan. 2, 1847, p. 288. Boston Atlas, Jan. 6; Feb. 6, 1847. (Webster) Niles, Jan. 9, 1847, p. 803. N. Y. Journ. of Comm., Jan. 4, 1847. N. Y. Tribune, Feb. 14, 1847. No. American, Dec. 24, 1846; Jan. 4, 1847. Polk, Diary, Jan. 22, 1847. Nat. Intellig., Jan. 14, 1847 (if the government desires the coöperation of the Whigs, let it repeal the tariff and sub-treasury Acts). Note also the treatment of the important public land question (vol. ii, p. 261).

30. Cong. Globe, 29, 1, pp. 1211-21. Greeley, Amer. Conflict, i, 189. Smith, Annex. of Tex., 314, 351-2. Welles papers. McLaughlin, Cass, 229. Cole, Whig Party, 119, 122-4. Polk, Diary, Dec. 19, 23, 1846; Jan. 4, 16, 22, 23, 1847. Benton, View, ii, 695. Wilson, Rise and Fall, ii, 15, 16. 13Pakenham, no. 5, 1847. 108Polk to Bancroft, Jan. 30, 1847, private. Meigs, Benton, 371. Amer. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1911, i, 18795 (C. E. Persinger). Cong. Globe, 29, 2, pp. 453-5, 541-55. Von Holst, U.S., iii, 301, 306-7. Calhoun, Works, iv, 323. 137Fisher to Calhoun, Aug. 22, 1847. Stephens, U. S., 391. Cutts, Questions, 154. Garrison, Extension, 254-68. Boston Atlas, Jan. 4, 1847. Blaine, Twenty Years, 1,73. So. Qtrly. Review, Jan., 1851, p. 196. Wash. Union, July 3; Aug. 12, 1846; Jan. 16, 1847. N. Y. Herald, Jan. 16; Feb. 20, 1847. Merriam, Bowles, 1, 48. 139Gentry to Campbell, Apr. 18, 1848. The Proviso, offered as an amendment to the $2,000,000 and $3,000,000 bills, was objected to because: 1, J. Q. Adams, Benton and others argued that any territory acquired from Mexico would come to us "free" by law, and slavery would not exist there unless subsequent legislation and also the natural conditions should be favorable to it; 2, the question would necessarily be settled when Congress should have to decide regarding the government of such territory, and present action would not bind a future Congress; 3, it did not relate to American territory, property or citizens — in short it related to nothing that existed; 4, the only way to reach the end aimed at by the Proviso would be through a treaty, and, should the treaty be violated, Mexico would have a right to interfere with our domestic affairs; 5, the President would have no right to sign such a treaty, for the subject belonged to Congress; 6, the American Senate would not ratify such a treaty, and hence the adoption of the Proviso would prevent peace and the acquisition of territory; 7, it was insulting to Mexico to legislate about territory belonging to her, would scandalize the world, and might prolong the war; 8, the Proviso stood in the way of needed war legislation, tended to alarm the South and lessen its interest in the war, incited to discord at a time when harmony was peculiarly desirable, promoted sectionalism, and, if adopted, might render the administration powerless to wage the war successfully. As is well known, Brinkerhoff of Ohio was the father of the Proviso, but for strategical reasons Wilmot was asked to introduce it. Wilmot himself did not insist upon the Proviso, when Polk explained to him some of the difficulties. For a convenient review of the later history of the Proviso principle see Lalor, Cyclopædia, iii, 1115-7. The Proviso threatened Whig unity and success, of course, because the northern wing and the southern wing of the party could not agree regarding slavery.

31. 137Fisher to Calhoun, Aug. 22, 1847. (Committed) Richardson, Messages, iv, 536-41. 169Rives to Crittenden, Feb. 5, 8, 1847. 330J. P. to Z. Taylor, Sept. 8, 1847. Merriam, Bowles, i, 48. Curtis, Webster, i, 303-7, 324 5. Webster, Writings, ix, 257-9; xiii, 328. 13Pakenham, no. 18, 1847. Lalor, Cyclopædia, ii, 1105. Amer. Review, Oct., 1847, 345-6. Louisville Journal, Sept. 17, 1847. Cincinn. Enquirer, Nov. 15, 1847. Cong. Globe, 29, 2, pp. 555-6 (Webster); app., 296-302 (Berrien). 132Donelson to Buchanan, Jan. 8, 1847. 132Bancroft to Id., Oct. 18, 1847. Boston Courier, Feb. 14, 1848. Corwin to F., Feb. 4, 1847: Ohio Phil. and Hist. Soc. Pubs., July-Sept., 1914. Benton, Abr. Debs., xvi, 42 (Berrien). Wash. Union, Feb. 8, 25; Sept. 8, 18, 16; Oct. 5, 1847. Public Ledger, Feb. 8, 17, 1847. Cole, Whig Party, 119-22. Pierce, Sumner, iii, 159. Nat. Intellig., Sept. 7, 1847.

Berrien's words (Benton, Abr. Debates, xvi, 42): The war "ought not to be prosecuted . . . with any view to the dismemberment of that republic, or to the acquisition by conquest of any part of her territory"; this government "will always be ready to enter into negotiations, with a view to terminate the present unhappy conflict on terms which shall . . . preserve inviolate the national honor . . . of Mexico"; "it is especially desirable . . . that the boundary of the State of Texas should be definitely settled, and that provision be made by the republic of Mexico for the prompt and equitable settlement of the just claims of our citizens." Naturally the Whigs endeavored to recommend the '"'No territory" idea by dwelling on other points (e.g. the country was already large enough; this plan would prevent a struggle between North and South over slavery; without it no treaty with Mexico could be ratified). How much merit these arguments possessed, it is unnecessary to point out; but no doubt there was more or less honest belief in them, especially among the rank and file. The people in general, however, were against giving up all the fruits of our victories, and even Calhoun admitted that we could not get out of the war with credit unless we made a large gain in territory.

32. 256Marcy to Wetmore, Dec. 5, 12, 1846. 108Appleton to Bancroft, Feb. 24, 1847. 108Polk to Bancroft, Jan. 30, 1847, private. Welles papers. Public Ledger, Mar. 2, 1847. Boston Atlas, Jan. 18, 21; Feb. 8; Mar. 3, 1847. Polk, Diary, Jan. 19, 1847. Nat. Intellig., Aug. 11, 1846; July 22, 1847. N.Y. Journ. Comm., Jan. 7, 1847. N.Y. Express, Sept. 4, 1847. N. Y. Tribune, Jan. 8, 1847; Jan. 27, 1848. Balt. American in Wash. Union, Sept. 8, 1847. No. American, Dec. 30, 1846; Oct. 6, 1847. Slidell to Buchanan, Nov. 5, 1846: "The fate of the administration depends on the successful conduct of the war"? (Curtis, Buchanan, 1, 601).

33. (Elected) Smith, Annex. of Texas, 307-9. . 169Burnley to Crittenden, Dec. 12, 1847. 132R. Taylor to Buchanan, Nov. 18, 1847, private. Seward, Seward at Washington, i, 57-8. Schurz, Clay, 1, 290-2. Wash. Union, Nov. 16-18, 24 (Clay's speech in full, which Colton does not give complete), 27, 29; Dec. 1, 1847. N. Y. Sun, Nov. 16, 1847. N. Y. Herald, Nov. 17, 1847. Cincinn. Enquirer, Nov. 15, 1847. (Abhorrent) Amer. Review, Feb., 1818, 110. Lexington Observer, Nov. 17, 1847. Clay, Works (Colton, ed.), iii, 60-7. No. American, Dec. 4, 1847. Cole, Whig Party, 120. Shackford, Citizen's Appeal, 18. Hill, Lawrence, 76. (In Mexico) 256J. Parrott to Marcy, Dec. 27, 1847, private. Webster, Writings, xiii, 328.

34. 169Rives to Crittenden, Feb. 8, 1847. 13Pakenham, no. 132, 1846. Cong. Globe, 29, 2, app., 211-8 (Corwin), 282-9 (Severance). Corwin to Follett, Feb. 4, 1847: Ohio Phil. and Hist. Soc. Pubs., July-Sept., 1914. N. Y. Tribune, Jan. 25, 1847. No. American, May 27, 1847. Sumner, Orations, 1, 143, 187. Pierce, Sumner, iii, 138, 140. 253Dowling to McLean, Dec. 7, 1847.

35. Semmes, Service, 69. 253Mower to McLean, Nov. 22; Dec. 13, 1847. 345Niles to Van Buren, Jan. 20, 1848. 137Rhett to Calhoun, May 20, 1847. 169Prunt to Crittenden, Dec. 5, 1847. London Times, Feb. 15, 1848. 13Crampton, no. 42, 1847. Calhoun Corresp., 727-8 (to D. G.), 737-9 (to W. T.). Sherman Letters, 38. Welles papers. 108Polk to Bancroft, Jan. 30, 1847, private. Nat. Intellig., Aug. 17; Dec. 27, 1847; Jan. 10, 1848. Public Ledger, Dec. 25, 1847; Jan. 31; Feb. 11, 1848. Bourne, Essays, 227. Cong. Globe, 30, 1, pp. 93 (withdrawal), 94 (vote), 95 (unconstitutional), 391-2 (Schenck), 396 (Henley), 495, 530 (Webster), 566 (Hilliard). Amer. Review, vi, 331, 342. Von Holst, U. S., iii, 289, 337. Amer. Hist. Assoc. Report, 1911, ii, 83 (Lamar). N. Y. Journ. Comm., Jan. 27, 1848. Cincinn. Atlas in Wash. Union, Aug. 25, 1847. Ohio State Journal: ibid., Aug. 30. Wash. Union, Nov. 4; Dec. 16, 1847. 335Dimond to Trist, Oct. 27, 1847. 335Buchanan to Trist, Oct. 7, 24, 1847, private. N. Y. Tribune, Nov. 5, 1847. N. Y. Herald, Dec. 4, 1847. 198G. Davis to Gallatin, Mar. 6, 1848. 345Law to Van Buren, Aug. 2, 1847.

Public sentiment was well voiced by the governor of Virginia in a 42Message to the Assembly, Dec. 6, 1847 (exec. letter book, no. 73, p. 325): "Shall the insolent Mexican go unpunished? Shall the glories of Palo Alto, Resaca de La Palma, Monterey, etc., pass away in a dream, leaving no solid memorials behind them of a skill, a gallantry, and a self-sacrificing devotion unsurpassed in the history of man? I regard this war as a practical question, and to be disposed of accordingly. That morbid sympathy that lives only for Mexico — that Mexico which murders the drunken soldier, and lances the wounded on the field of battle — I cannot approve, nor can I respect that closet philosophy that calls on us to surrender everything because we are victorious. No, my sympathies are for my country, for the gallant dead, for those whose mighty deeds have given a bolder and a broader light to our glorious constellation, for the widows and for their orphans. . . . I would be just to Mexico, but just also to my own country."

The difficulty of reaching an agreement in Congress about the relation of slavery interests to the war was thought by the British representative to stand in the way of compelling the administration to stop hostilities (13Crampton, no. 71, Dec. 30, 1847), and no doubt had considerable effect. In the speakership contest 220 Representatives voted (Cong. Globe, 30, 1, p. 2). To hold that Congress had power to prescribe the objects of the war was virtually to declare Congress the supreme commander and treaty-making power. It was also to declare the nation impotent to wage the war, for, as the parties stood, it could not pass a bill over the President's veto.

36. 345Poinsett to Van Buren, June 4, 1847. 345Blair to Id., Dec. 9, 1847. Webster, Writings, x, 262 (re Ten Regiment bill: the war unnecessary and unconstitutional). 256Marcy to Wetmore, Jan. 28, 1848. Public Ledger, Dec. 15, 1847; Jan. 31; Feb. 2, 1848. Wash. Union, Mar. 24, 1848. Cong. Globe, 30, 1, pp. 57-8 (Goggin), 154-6 (Lincoln), 267-9 (resolutions), 415-7 (Smith), 495-6, 530-5 (Webster), etc. (Direct taxes) N. Y. Journ. Comm., Dec. 25, 1847. (Chairman) N. Y. Herald, Feb. 13, 1848 (financial article). Nat. Intellig., Jan. 17, 1848.

The British chargé at Washington, though that legation was strongly in sympathy with the Whigs, reported that the Whigs lost no opportunity to embarrass.and discredit the administration (13Crampton, no. 19, Feb. 9, 1848). Slidell's instructions never having been acted upon, were practically a dead letter, and it was important not to make them public, lest the Mexicans, knowing on what terms the United States had been willing to restore friendly intercourse, should use the information to embarrass future negotiations; but the House, admitting this point by promising to keep them secret — which everybody knew could not be done — demanded them, and resented Polk's wise refusal to transmit them. The National Intelligencer (Dec. 18, 1847) asserted that Slidell had been "ordered not to negotiate a settlement of the Boundary of Texas . . . unless in complication with the cession to the U. S. of California," which was positively false. Polk, Diary, Jan. 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 17, 23; July 6, 1848. After peace was declared he sent them (Richardson, Messages, iv, 594-600).

The Mexican tariff gave rise to some of the best declamation of the war period. The National Intelligencer accused Polk of exercising "absolute monarchical power" in that matter (Apr. 3, 1847). The Albany Statesman (Apr. 9) said, "This is surely the most flagrant usurpation and the most matchless piece of impudence with which any ruler in modern times has ever ventured to insult an intelligent people." In March, 1848, the subject came up in Congress, and Webster (Writings, x, 262) declared the President had no right to lay the duties, and that the duties were paid by Americans and neutrals; whereas in fact his military powers gave the President ample authority, and of course the duties were added to the prices of the goods. The National Intelligencer went so far as to deny that the President had any military initiative whatever, and to assert that as commander-in-chief he was merely "a subordinate" of Congress (see Wash. Union, Aug. 21, 1847).

37. 256Marcy to Wetmore, Dec. 5, 1846. Spirit of the Age, Feb. 3, 1848.

38. Wash. Union, June 9, 1848. 157Barclay to Cobb, Dec. 24, 1847. Nat. Intellig., June 10, 1848. (Illegal) Delano's words, p. 277. (Advised) 370To Davis, Apr. 18, 1848. (Mil. spirit) Wash. Union, May 22, 1847. Norfolk Herald, Apr. 12, 1847. Every Representative who had voted or said that Polk began the war unconstitutionally was bound to move for his impeachment.

39. By "Hosea Biglow" the author means, of course the ideas expressed by Lowell in his Biglow Papers.

40. As early as Jan. 2, 1847, the N. Y. Herald, a non-partison journal, said the course of the Whigs aah reference to the war had almost ruined them in public estimation. Indeed that fact has been in a general way recognized (Pierce, Sumner, iii, 111; Schurz, Clay, ii, 289; Von Holst, U.S., iii, 252). Probably the reasons why the Democrats behaved better than the Whigs were that (1) circumstances did not involve them in such dilemmas, and (2) they had the responsibilities of conducting affairs.

 

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