UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
J
THE DIARY OF JAMES K. POLK
1845-1849
VOL. II.
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NOW Fi
-:notated by
Of this portrait, Mr. Kemp Ph.ramer Battte, the historian , qjj
of the University of. North Carolina says m a letter of
FebruaVy '7 1009,^' It i3 an exact likeness of PreMdenJvI Mc.
BY
McLaughlin
Polk when he visited us in i»47-
•r «0 oy IHr; DKJ'A&TMl . THE UNlVEaSiTY OF CHICAGO
iN FOUR VOLUMES
A
%i-.
THE DIARY OF
JAMES K. POLK
DURING HIS PRESIDENCY, 1845 to 1849
NOW FIRST PRINTED FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT
IN THE COLLECTIONS OF
THE CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
EDITED AND ANNOTATED BY
MILO MILTON QUAIFE
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN THE LEWIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY
ANDREW CUNNINGHAM McLAUGHLIN
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
IN FOUR VOLUMES
VOL. IL
A. C. McCLURG & CO,
CHICAGO
I 9 I o
Copyright
By a. C. McClurg & Company
A. D. 1910
Entered at Stationers' Hall, London, England
This work forms volumes VI-IX of The Chicago Historical
Society's collection, a special issue of 500 copies being printed
for the purposes of that Society.
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NORWOOD- MASS -U-S-A
THE DIARY OF JAMES K. POLK
1845-1849
DIARY OF
JAMES K. POLK
II
Wednesday, ist July, 1846. — Had a crowd of
visitors until 12 O'Clock to-day. The importunity
for office it would seem will never cease. There
were many visitors this morning upon the patriotic
errand of seeking office for themselves. My mind
was occupied about more important matters and I
gave them no countenance.
About I O'clock Mr. Buchanan called, and I had
a full conversation with him on the subject of his
transfer from the State Department to the Supreme
Court Bench. I told him I had received his note
of the 28th ult. expressing his preference for the
Bench. I told him that I was satisfied to retain him
in the Cabinet, and that I would leave it entirely to
himself to decide whether he remained in the Cab-
inet or took the Judgeship. He indicated at once
his preference for the Bench. I then said to him
that I would part with him with reluctance, but that
I knew that he had long desired a seat on the Su-
preme Bench, & that if he did not get it now no other
opportunity might occur, and that I would not
•2 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i July
Stand in the way of his wishes. He then expressed a
wish to be nominated immediately. I told him I
did not see how I could dispense with his services in
the State Department until near the close of the pres-
ent Session of Congress, and expressed a desire that
he should remain until that time. To this he as-
sented, but with seeming reluctance because of his
extreme anxiety to go on the Bench. In answer to
an enquiry from him as to his successor in the State
Department, I told him my mind was directed to
Lewis McLane, at present U. S. Minister at London.
He approved of the selection. After much conver-
sation, he remarked that he supposed the matter was
now settled and understood between us that he would
go on the Bench at the close of the present Session of
Congress. I told him he might consider it so set-
tled. In the course of the conversation I told him
that there had been some differences of opinion, and
some unpleasant occur[r]ences between us in rela-
tion to offices, but they were at best small matters
and I was content to overlook them and let them
pass.
The Secretary of War came in on business shortly
after Mr. Buchanan retired, and I informed him of
what had transpired between Mr. Buchanan and my-
self. He remarked that he had expected that Mr.
Buchanan would go on the Bench, from conversa-
tions with Mr. Buchanan, and from what he had
heard from other sources. I then asked his opinion
about Mr. McLane as Mr. Buchanan's successor in
the State Department. He thought he was to be pre-
ferred to any man in the country.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 3
At 5 O'clock P. M. Between 40 & 50 chiefs and
braves of the Comanche and other bands and tribes
of wild Indians from the prairies in the North of
Texas, were presented to me by M. G. Lewis, Esq'r,
who had been sent ^ with Gov. Butler last fall to
visit these tribes. I received them in the Ladies
Parlour above stairs, in the presence of a few ladies
and other persons. I held a friendly talk with them
through an interpreter, assuring them that they
might rely upon the friendship and protection of the
U. S. as long as they would remain peaceable and
friendly. Their orator made a speech in which he
said they had made [a] Treaty of peace and friend-
ship and they would keep it. The interview was a
very interesting one. Santa Anna, their principal
chief, is a fine looking man of good size and middle
age, and is evidently a man of talents. A delegation
of the Miamis of Indiana were also present. They
had visited Washington on the business of their tribe.
I held a talk with them also through their interpreter.
Among the Comanches and other wild Indians of the
pra[i]ries were several women or squaws, and
among others the wife of Santa Anna, the Comanche
chief, was present. After the reception and talk
were over Miss Pleasanton performed for them on
the Piano. They were afterwards conducted to the
East Room and through all the parlours below stairs.
The large mirrors in the parlours attracted their at-
tention more than anything else. When they saw
themselves at full length, they seemed to be greatly
delighted. They came to Washington nearly in a
^ See Diary entry for September 11, 1845.
4 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [2 July
naked state, with little more than a breech clout on
them. They were dressed in American costume to
visit me and, as I learned, it was with difficulty some
of them could be restrained from tearing their clothes
off themselves, & especially the squaws. I was in-
formed that the Chief, Santa Anna, had said that he
thought before he came to the U. S. that his nation
could whip any nation in the world, but that since
he came here he found the white men more numerous
than the stars, and that he could not count them.
Their visit to the U. S. will no doubt have a fine ef-
fect in impressing them with our numbers and
power, and may be the means of preserving peace
with them. After going through the parlours below
stairs, they passed into the grounds South of the
President's House, where the Marine band were
playing (this being the evening for music on the
grounds) in the presence of many hundred ladies &
gentlemen. The Indians attracted much more at-
tention than the music. Many of the Indians, as I
learned, who had on shoes to visit me took them ofif
and walked barefooted as soon as they got into the
grounds.
Thursday, 2nd July, 1846. — Saw company as
usual until 12 O'Clock to-day. Closed my doors
at that hour and gave my attention to the busi-
ness on my table. About i O'Clock P. M. Mr.
Buchanan called, and said it was rumoured all
over the City that he was to go on the Bench
of the Supreme Court of the U. S., & again
expressed his desire to be nominated at once, say-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 5
ing if he was not that there would probably be
opposition in the Senate to his confirmation. I
told him there could not, I thought, be any such
danger, and reiterated to him the reasons I had as-
signed on yesterday why I thought it important that
he should remain in the Cabinet until near the close
of the present session of Congress. He said if he
was not now nominated he feared England or
France might offer a mediation, or otherwise inter-
fere in the Mexican war, and put it out of his power
to go on the Bench with propriety, and that he might
lose his chance to go there altogether. I told him I
thought there was no such danger. He acquiesced
in my views, but with great reluctance, and retired
manifestly disappointed that I had not yielded to his
desire to be nominated at once.
Col. Benton called this morning, and held a long
conversation with me in relation to the manner of
conducting the Mexican war. I had promised him
a few days ago to furnish him with a copy of a Proc-
lamation in the English & Spanish language ad-
dressed to the Mexican people by Gen'l Taylor, but
had failed to do so. I had the printed copy in both
languages on my table, and gave it to Col. Benton.
Col. B. said he would submit to me soon his views in
writing as to the manner of conducting the Mexican
war, as I had requested him to do at our last inter-
view. Col. B. informed me that some complaints
had been made in Executive Session in the Senate,
that I had so long delayed to nominate a Judge of
the Supreme Court of the U. S. in Judge Baldwin's
place. I explained to him the reasons of the delay,
6 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [2 July
which seemed to be satisfactory. He spoke of a con-
versation he had held with Mr. Buchanan, from
which I drew the inference that he may have called
at Mr. Buchanan's instance, to prevail upon me to
make the nomination at once, I informed Col. B.
confidentially that I expected to nominate Mr. Bu-
chanan, but that I could not spare him from the
Cabinet until towards the close of the Session. He
seemed to be satisfied.
Senators Crittenden & Morehead of Ky. called and
requested me to appoint Col. Clarkson of Ky., who
is a Whig, a Paymaster in the army. I happened to
have a vacancy to fill in the temporary service with
the Volunteers, & I told them I would at once ap-
point Clarkson, They seemed to be much gratified
and pleased. I was gratified myself that I had it in
my power promptly to meet the wishes of these gen-
tlemen, and thus to prove to them that I was not
proscriptive in my appointments.
Mr. Buchanan informed me to-day that he had
been called on by Mrs. Maury,^ an English lady re-
siding at Liverpool, who informed him that she had
held a conversation with Mr. Calhoun and that she
was very anxious that Mr. C. should succeed Mr.
McLane as Minister at London, that she had held a
conversation with Mr. C. and thought he would ac-
cept the mission if I would tender it to him.
^ Sarah Mytton Hughes Maury, wife of William Maury, son of
James Maury, U. S, consul at Liverpool 1 789-1 837. She trav-
elled in the United States in 1846 and afterward published The
Englishwoman in America and The Statesmen of America.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 7
Friday, Jrd July, 1846. — Had the usual round of
company until 12 O'Clock this morning. Fewer
office seekers applied for places than usual, though
several of them appeared and made known their
wishes. Mr. Buchanan called and advised me, if I
had made up my mind to appoint Mr. McLane as
his successor in the Department of State, not to inti-
mate such intention until near the close of the Ses-
sion, when he would be nominated for the Judge-
ship according to our understanding. He advised
me not to give an intimation of my intention to ap-
point Mr. McLane, because in the present condition
of the party it might have an important influence on
the tariff question and some other leading measures
of my administration now pending before Congress.
I told him that his advice accorded entirely with my
own judgment; and I added that I thought the pub-
lic should know nothing of my intention to appoint
him to the Judgeship, or who his successor would be,
until I was ready to act by sending the nominations
to the Senate. The understanding between us was
that nothing was to be said about my intentions in re-
lation to either appointment, until near the close of
the Session when I was ready to act.
Mr. Buchanan informed me that Mrs. Maury, an
English lady residing at Liverpool, had again called
on him, and urged the appointment of Mr. Calhoun
as Mr. McLane's successor as minister to England.
He said he had informed her that he knew nothing
on the subject, but at her request informed her that
she must call on me. He said she would call to-day,
8 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 July
if I would see her. This Mrs. Maury is an English
woman of talent and education, and one who has seen
much of the world. She is the daughter of the
former U. S. consul at Liverpool of her name. I
told Mr. Buchanan that I thought she was inter-
meddling in matters which did not concern her, but
that I could not refuse to see her if she called. About
I O'clock P. M. she called. I received her civilly
and as a lady of her character and intelligence en-
titled her to be received. She had not been in my
office many minutes until she introduced the subject
of Mr. Calhoun's appointment as Minister to Eng-
land; she expressed her desire that I would appoint
him. I heard her patiently, and reflected in my own
mind whilst she was speaking, what could induce her
to take an interest in such a matter. She said she had
seen and conversed with Mr. Calhoun, and had
urged him to accept the English mission. She said
Mr. Calhoun told her that if any great public in-
terest pending between the two countries required it,
his sense of public duty would induce him to accept
the mission, if I called on him to do so. She went
on to speak of the high character Mr. Calhoun sus-
tained abroad & of the great consideration he would
receive in England. She said that Mr. Calhoun, in
her interviews with him, had finally agreed that she
might upon her own responsibility communicate to
me that he would accept the English mission, if I
thought the public interest required his services and
should invite him to do so. It struck me as being
very strange that Mr. Calhoun's willingness to ac-
cept the Mission should be communicated to me
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 9
through such a channel. I was very guarded in my
reply to Mrs. Maury. I said to her that when the
English mission became vacant and it became my
duty to select a successor to Mr. McLane I would
bear in mind what she had said to me. I told her
Mr. McLane was yet in England, and that if the state
of our relations with that country should be such as
to require it he would remain as long as it was impor-
tant for him to do so. I told her that Mr. McLane
desired to return during the next autumn, and that if
he did so I must of course select a successor. I told
her that my personal relations with Mr. Calhoun
had at all times since I knew him been of a friendly
character, and that I admired his talents, but I was
very careful to deal in general terms in speaking of
him and to say nothing from which Mrs. Maury
could infer whether I would appoint him to the
mission to England or not. At length she asked me
what she should say to Mr. Calhoun. This inter-
rogatory I evaded by a general observation that of
course until Mr. McLane returned I could not be
casting about me for his successor. She then said she
would repeat to Mr. Calhoun what I had said, that
I would bear in mind her request when the mission
became vacant. It was rather an embarrassing in-
terview. Here was an English woman of undoubted
talents and great intelligence intermeddling in a mat-
ter with which she had no concern, and yet I felt con-
strained to give some answer to what she said, and
that answer I had every reason to believe would be
communicated to Mr. Calhoun. My only course
therefore was to answer her in general terms, and to
10 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 July
say nothing which if published could in any way em-
barrass me. I was careful, too, to say nothing which
could either encourage or discourage Mr. Calhoun,
if he had a desire to go to England, or that could give
him any ground to take exceptions to what I said. I
was glad when Mrs. Maury retired. I knew she
would report to Mr. Calhoun all that transpired.
About iy2 O'clock P.M. Senator Dickinson of
N. Y. called, and whilst I was in conversation with
him the Secretary of War came in. I expressed to
Mr. Dickinson my great desire that the Bill to mod-
ify the tarifif, upon which the vote was to be taken in
the Ho. of Repts. to-day, should pass, and expressed
to him the opinion that its fate would probably de-
pend on the course of the Democratic portion of the
N. Y. delegation. The Secretary of War joined in
the expression of the desire that the Bill should pass,
and said he had so expressed himself to several of the
N. Y. democratic members within the last two days,
and he hoped they would vote for it. Mr. Dickin-
son said he would go to the Capitol and use what in-
fluence he could to induce them to do so, and left
for that purpose.
Senator Chalmers of Mississippi called about 2^
O'clock P. M. on business, and left after a few min-
utes conversation to go to the Capitol to see Col.
Tibbatts of Ky., whose vote was considered doubtful
on the tariff bill, saying that he thought he could
induce him to vote for it. About 4 O'Clock P. M.
Mr. Chalmers returned, and in less than a minute
after he entered my office Senator Dickinson of N. Y.
came in. They reported to me that they were di-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 11
rectly from the Capitol, and that the Bill to modify
and reduce the tariff had just passed the House by a
majority of nineteen votes. I was much gratified
to hear the result, as this was one of the leading and
vital measures of my administration. It was in truth
vastly the most important domestic measure of my
administration, and the vote of the popular branch
of Congress, which had fully endorsed my opinions
and recommendations on the subject of the tariff,
could not be otherwise than highly gratifying.
This was reception evening. There was a light
fall of rain during almost the whole day, & it con-
tinued at night. Some fifty or sixty persons, ladies
and gentlemen, called.
Saturday, 4th July, 1846. — This being the sev-
entieth anniversary of American Independence
neither House of Congress sat to-day. The firing of
Cannon at daylight announced that the anniversary
was at hand. According to custom the President's
Mansion was open for the reception of company at
12 O'clock to-day. A large number of persons
called, though the crowd was not so great as on many
former occasions. The day was damp and unfa-
vourable, it having rained the greater part of the
morning. The company retired about 25^ O'Clock
P. M.
Whilst I was at dinner, about 4 O'Clock P. M.,
and without any previous notice of their intention to
call, the porter announced to me that a large number
of sabbath school children in procession, conducted
by their instructors, awaited at the door. I directed
12 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [5 July
that they [be] shown in and immediately repaired to
the Circular parlour and received them. An ad-
dress was made to me by one of their instructors, to
which I responded in a brief address. There were
near 200 children of both sexes under 12 years of
age. They sang a hymn and retired in good order.
About 5 O'clock P. M. another procession of Sab-
bath School children called. This school numbered
about 250, male and female. They were conducted
by their instructors. I received them in the circular
parlour, but the number of persons in attendance was
so large that I caused them to be conducted to the
East Room, where I delivered to them a brief ad-
dress, to which one of their instructors responded.
Both these Sabbath Schools were under the care of
two Methodist churches in this City; the one was at-
tached to the Foundry church, and the other to a
church in the northern limits [?] of the City. Both
schools presented most interesting exhibitions. In
both schools the youth of both sexes are brought up
under lessons of moral instructions, which is well
calculated to make them good citizens. I spent the
balance of the evening in disposing of the business on
my table.
Sunday, ^th July, 1846. — Attended Divine wor-
ship to-day in the Hall of the House of Represent-
atives, accompanied by Mrs. Polk and her niece.
Miss Rucker. The Rev'd Mr. Baker, whom I had
heard several times in Tennessee, preached. His
text was the 6th verse of the 28th chapter of the
Gospel by Matthew.
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 13
Monday, dth July, 1846. — Saw company until
12 O'clock to-day; and was much vexed and
harassed by persons who called about unimportant
matters, and others who were seeking office.
There seems to be no end to the applications for
office.
I devoted the day to the business on my table.
At 8>4 O^Clock P. M. Mr. Senator Johnson of
Maryland called. My Private Secretary had at my
instance requested him to do so. I informed Mr.
Johnson that a Resolution had been passed by the
Senate on the 29th ult. and I had understood that he
was the mover of it, calling on the Secretary of War
to report to the Senate " whether any individual has
been authorized by the Department to the Executive
of any State, to be authorized to raise volunteers to
serve in the war with Mexico, or whether the Gov-
ernor of any State has been authorized by the De-
partment to receive into service volunteers raised by
any individual named by the Department; and if
so that he Report the facts to the Senate, together
with copies of any instructions or correspondence re-
lating to the same, and state under what power such
authority has been given, or such recommendation
has been made." I stated to Mr. Johnson that the
Secretary of War had [made] copies of all corre-
spondence in the Department on the subject and had
submitted them to me. I read them to Mr. John-
son, and, as they showed on their face, they disclosed
the plans of the Government of a projected cam-
paign by land and sea into Upper California, and
I submitted to Mr. Johnson that if made public it
14 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [6 July
would probably defeat our objects & be most preju-
dicial to the public interests. This publication
would excite the jealousy of England and France,
who might interfere to prevent the accomplishment
of our objects. Mr. Johnson at once said that their
publication would be improper and highly injurious
to the public interests. I remarked to him that the
Secretary of War thought that he had no discretion
in the matter, and felt it to be his duty to respond
to the call of the Senate, but was at the same time
of opinion that it would be highly improper to give
publicity to these papers at this time, and therefore
he had brought them and submitted them to me. I
told him that concurring with the Secretary in opin-
ion I had requested this interview with him (Mr.
Johnson) understanding that he was the author of
the Resolution. Mr. Johnson said he regretted that
he .had not known more on the subject before he
moved the Resolution, but that seeing the impro-
priety of answering the call, as he now did, he would
advise that it should not be answered, and went on
to say that if anything was said about it in the Sen-
ate he would take pleasure in stating that he had seen
the papers and deemed it improper that the call
should be answered. I then told him that I would
direct the Secretary of War to withhold his answer,
at least for the present. There is nothing in the
correspondence which could injure the administra-
tion or show any violation of law. The objections
to the publication were that it would be proclaiming
to Mexico and the world our plans of conducting the
war, and particularly in regard to California. I
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 15
will place the Report of the Secretary and the cor-
respondence on my files for future reference should
it become necessary.
Tuesday, yth July, 1846. — The Cabinet held a
regular meeting to-day; all the members present ex-
cept the Attorney General, who was detained at his
residence by continued indisposition. Various ques-
tions connected with the manner of conducting the
war with Mexico were considered. Among other
questions which arose, was one in relation to the
municipal & commercial regulations to be estab-
lished in any Mexican port or town which should
be taken by our Navy. After this question was con-
sidered, or rather during its consideration, Mr. Bu-
chanan expressed the opinion that our naval forces
should be instructed to take and hold Monterey on
the Pacific, and the Bay of San Francisco. Farther
South than these ports he insisted we should not take
or hold, because as he said we intended to hold Cali-
fornia permanently & he was opposed to taking or
holding permanently the country South of these
places. This was the substance of the reason as-
signed by him for not being in favour of taking and
holding the country South of Monterey on the Pa-
cific. He was opposed, too, to giving to the inhab-
itants of Tamaulipas or of any of the Provinces South
of New Mexico any encouragement to annex them-
selves to the U. S. or that we would receive [them].
It was clear from the general tenor of his remarks
on this, as well as on former occasions, that he was
unwilling by Treaty with Mexico, or in any other
i6 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [8 July
manner to acquire any part of the Mexican Terri-
tory South of New Mexico & Upper California.
Mr. Walker discussed the matter with him, differ-
ing from him in opinion and insisting upon having
a more Southernly line of boundary, if it could be
obtained. Finally I remarked that if when we came
to make a Treaty I found that I could obtain a
boundary from the Mouth of the Rio Grande West
to the Pacific by paying a few millions more for it
than for the boundary mentioned by Mr. Buchanan,
I should certainly make such a Treaty, but that if
I could do no better I would take the boundary men-
tioned by him. It was very manifest that Mr. Bu-
chanan desired to avoid acquiring any Southern
territory below the boundary indicated by him. I
differed with him in my views, and was sorry to find
him entertaining opinions so contracted & sectional.
This being reception evening, near loo ladies and
gentlemen called and were received in the parlour.
Wednesday, 8th July, 1846. — Saw company as
usual until 12 O'Clock to-day. Nothing of special
interest occur[r]ed. I had a long interview with the
Secretary of War. I submitted to him the draft of
instructions to Gen'l Taylor in relation to the man-
ner of conducting the Mexican war. A part of this
draft was prepared by Col. Benton at my request,
and the latter part of it, and that which I regard
as most important, was prepared by me. It was in
the form of a letter to be addressed by the Secre-
tary of War to Gen'l Taylor. The Secretary of
War approved it, & [I] told him I would have it
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 17
copied in a fair handwriting for him. I will pre-
serve the original draft for future reference, should
it become proper. I do this because it is a document
of more than ordinary importance.
My old college friend, Hardy L. Holmes of N. C,
took a family dinner with me to-day. I had not
seen him since he left the University of N. C. in
1817. The Hon. George C. Dromgoole of Va., an-
other college friend, Hon. Cave Johnson, P. M.
Gen'l, and David Currin, Esqr., of Tennessee also
dined with me.
The Marine band played on the grounds south of
the President's House this evening. Several hun-
dred persons, male and female, were present. Near
sunset I took Mr. Holmes and Mr. Dromgoole in
my carriage & visited Judge Mason, the Attorney
General, who is confined to his house by an attack
of gout in the feet; and who was at College with
Mr. Holmes, Mr. Dromgoole, and myself.
Thursday, gth July, 1846. — I closed my doors
to-day about 1 1 O'Clock, being an hour earlier than
usual, to enable me to prepare a message in answer
to a call of the Senate for information in relation
to the mineral lands on Lake Superior, and an Ex-
ecutive message making nominations, &c. I spent
some time to-day on official business with the Secre-
tary of War, in relation to the Mexican War. The
Secretary of State and of the Treasury were also
with me on public business.
At about 3 O'clock the Rev. Mr. Donelan of the
Catholic church called at the head of about 500 chil-
i8 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo July
dren of St. Matthew's and St. Patrick's Sunday
Schools. I received them in the East room. Many
of the children I was informed were orphans, poor
and destitute, who were under the care of the Cath-
olic church. One of the boys delivered a patriotic
speech of his own composition, another presented me
with a bouquet of flowers. I made a short address
to them.
During my walk around the grounds of the Presi-
dent's square I was joined by the Hon. C. J. Inger-
soll of Pennsylvania. I had some three or four
months ago intimated, indeed said to Mr. IngersoU,
that it was my intention near the close of the present
Session of Congress to nominate him to the Senate
as Minister to Russia. Mr. IngersoU this evening
requested me to appoint him Minister to France in-
stead of Russia. This I declined to do, for reasons
which I assigned to him. My pledge to appoint
Mr. IngersoU to Russia was made to him some time
before his late controversy with Mr. Webster, a con-
troversy which in the estimation of some has resulted
to the prejudice of Mr. IngersoU. It has, I learn,
arrayed against him bitter opponents in and out of
the Senate, and it is possible he may be rejected by
the Senate. I am bound however by my pledge to
him to nominate him.
Friday, lOth July, 1846. — Saw company until 12
O'clock to-day. After that hour I was closely con-
fined to my table, and despatched a mass of business
which had been accumulating on my hands. After
transacting business with the Secretary of War, I
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 19
consulted him as to the Mission to England, shortly
to be vacated by the return of Mr. McLane. I
told him that I inclined to tender the mission to
Senator Dix of N. York, and asked his opinion on
the subject. He concurred with me in opinion that
Mr. Dix was well qualified, and advised his appoint-
ment. I had previously consulted Mr. Buchanan
on the subject.
I requested my Private Secretary to invite Mr.
Dix to call on [me]. Mr. Dix called about 6
O'clock P. M., when I tendered the mission to Eng-
land to him. It evidently took him by surprise.
He expressed his gratitude for the honour done him
by the offer of the mission. He said he would give
me an answer in the course of a week or ten days.
This was reception evening. More than 100 per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, called. Among others my
neighbour and friend, Maj'r Doling Gordon of Ten-
nessee, and his family were present.
Saturday, nth July, 1846. — This was the regu-
lar day for the meeting of the Cabinet. No meeting
however took place. The Secretaries of State,
Treasury, War, and Navy, severally called at dif-
ferent times during the morning, but as I had noth-
ing important to bring before the Cabinet each re-
tired. The P. M. Gen'l and Atto. Gen'l did not
attend. The graduation land Bill was pending be-
fore the House to-day, and the Ware House bill
before the Senate, the fate of both of which bills
was considered doubtful. The members of the Cab-
inet who called, after remaining a few minutes with
20 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [ii July
me left with the intention of conversing with mem-
bers of Congress in relation to these two Bills, and
effecting if possible such a compromise of opinion
among the Democratic members as would effect their
passage. Great doubt at this moment exists of the
passage of these two Bills, and also of the tariff Bill,
or rather the Bill to reduce the tariff. Upon the
latter Bill Senator Semple of Illinois, I learn, ex-
presses opinions which render it doubtful how he
will vote. Mr. Semple, I learn, has been for some
time dissatisfied with the administration. I know of
no cause, unless it be that I did not appoint him a
Brigadier or Maj'r Gen'l of Volunteers, which he
sought to obtain from me. I learned, too, to-day
that Senator Dickinson of N. Y. is in a bad humour
with the administration, and that his complaint is
that his friends in N. Y. have in his opinion been
overlooked in appointments to office. Several other
members have similar griefs. They have either been
disappointed themselves or have not obtained offices
for their favourites and friends, and at this moment
the great Domestic measures of the Session are en-
dangered from these causes. I sincerely wish that
I had no offices to bestow. I cannot gratify all who
apply, and it is certain from my experience that the
dispensation of the public patronage is a weaken-
[ing] operation. There is more selfishness among
members of Congress which is made to bear upon
great public measures, than the people have any
knowledge of. The danger now is that the great
measures of the Session will be defeated from this
cause more than any other. If their constituents un-
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 21
derstood the true cause of the course of some of their
Representatives & Senators, they would not fail to
rebuke them for it.
Sunday, 12th July, 1846. — Attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day in company with Mrs.
Polk and her niece, Miss Rucker.
I sent for Mr. Buchanan this evening. He called
about 8 O'clock P.M. I told him that having made
up my mind to appoint Mr. McLane, now at Lon-
don, his successor in the Department of State, in the
event he elected, as he had informed me he would,
to go on the bench of the Supreme Court of the U.
States, I had sent for him for the purpose of saying
that if on reflection he had changed his mind the
matter was still in his own hands. I told him I
would be satisfied to retain him in my cabinet, but
that if he desired, as he did when I last conversed
with me [him], to go on the bench, that I desired to
know the fact at this time, that I might take proper
steps for the selection of his successor in the Depart-
ment of State. I informed him that if he left the
Department of State I had made up my mind to ap-
point Mr. Louis McLane, now U. S. Minister to
England, in his place, and that I desired to know
his definitive decision now, that I might write to Mr.
McLane by the Steamer which would leave Boston
on the i6th Instant. Mr. Buchanan expressed a
strong desire to be nominated to the Senate for the
appointment of Judge of the Supreme Court of the
U. States immediately. To this I objected, and as-
signed as my reasons that if he was nominated at
22 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [12 July
this time (a month probably before the adjournment
of Congress) it would in my opinion put in jeopardy
the reduction of the tarifif and all the leading meas-
ures of my administration now pending before Con-
gress. I told him he saw the want of harmony and
[the] factious spirit which prevailed among the
Democratic members of Congress. I told him that
the moment it became known that his place as Sec-
retary of State was vacant, that all the factions and
sections of the Democratic party in Congress would
immediately set to work to press upon me their re-
spective favourites as his successor; that they would
probably be getting up petitions signed by members
of Congress for this purpose. I told him that I
knew that it was impossible to select any man who
breathed who would be satisfactory to all the fac-
tions of the Democratic party, and that if by any
means, by public rumour or otherwise, it became
known whom I was likely to appoint, I would be
annoyed by protests against him be him [he] whom
he might, and that my position would be one of per-
fect torment & vexation until the close of the Session.
I told him further that at the present critical mo-
ment, when all my leading domestic measures were
pending before Congress, it was not difficult to fore-
see that to change the head of the Cabinet would
probably have the effect to defeat them all. Mr.
Buchanan said if I believed that such would be the
effect I ought not to make the change at this time.
He expressed some apprehension that violent opposi-
tion would be made to the confirmation of his nomi-
nation for the Judgeship, If it was postponed until
1846J JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 23
the end of the Session. I told him I apprehended
no such danger. 1 added also that I needed his
services in the Department of State during the Ses-
sion of Congress, and repeated my unwillingness to
nominate him to the Bench until towards the close of
the Session of Congress. He then said that [if] I
was determined not to nominate him to the Bench
until the close of the Session, he saw no necessity of
writing to Mr. McLane at this time, as it was pos-
sible that something might occur between this and
that time to change his mind on the subject, and
induce him to retire from public life altogether. I
told him I did not desire him to retire from the De-
partment of State unless it was to gratify his own
wishes to go on the Bench of the Supreme Court.
He then remarked that he was friendly with Mr. Mc-
Lane and entertained a high opinion of his talents,
but that in his opinion his appointment would be an
unpopular one. I told him that if I selected him
I was sure of one thing, and that was that I would
have in my Cabinet a gentleman of high character
and unblemished honour, a man of talents, and a
man that the whole country would pronounce to be
qualified and fit for the place. This he admitted,
but still thought that he would be unpopular, and
added that he lived, too, in a Southern State, which
would give the preponderance in the Cabinet to that
section of the Union. I asked him if he knew any-
one else who was qualified that I could select, and
he said he did not. I then told Mr. Buchanan that I
would write to Mr. McLane that it was probable he
would retire from the Cabinet at the close of the Ses-
24 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [13 July
sion, and that in that event I would desire him to suc-
ceed him in the Department of State. To this he
thought there would be no objection. It was mani-
fest from the whole tenor of the conversation that
Mr. Buchanan's anxiety to be nominated to the bench
immediately arose from his apprehension that it be-
ing now publicly rumoured that he would go on the
bench, an opposition might be arrayed against him
before the end of the Session, that might reject him.
I think, although he did not say so, that he feared the
publication of his Oregon correspondence with Mr.
McLane, which had been called for by a Resolution
of the Senate, would array against him the 54° 40'
men, and that the discussion of the tarifif might array
against him a portion of the free-trade men. I did
not inform Mr. Buchanan of the letter which I had
written to Mr. McLane on the 22nd ultimo, because
I did not deem it to be necessary to do so. (For that
letter see my letter Book.)
Monday, Ijth July, 1846. — Saw company as
usual until 12 O'Clock to-day. Wrote a letter to
Mr. McLane to-day, of the purport which I in-
formed Mr. Buchanan on yesterday I would write.
(See my letter Book.)
I sent for Senator Semple of Illinois by my Pri-
vate Secretary. He called between i & 2 O'Clock
P. M. I had a friendly conversation and explained
to him why I had not appointed him a Brigadier
General of Volunteers. The Illinois Delegation in
Congress had recommended him for the command
of the Illinois Brigade. Many members of Con-
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 25
gress had applied for commands and I appointed
none of them. After a full conversation Mr. Sem-
ple appeared to be in a pleasant humour and to be
satisfied. I sent for him to make a frank explana-
tion to him, to the eflfect that my failure to appoint
him was not because of any unkind feeling towards
himself personally, but for other reasons. Since his
disappointment I had learned that he had given in-
dications by his votes and declarations that he was
dissatisfied with the administration, & great fears
were entertained that in consequence of his personal
disappointment he would vote with the Whigs
against the reduction of the tariff, and some other im-
portant measures now pending before Congress. I
felt it to be my duty to conciliate him, if I could do
so honorably, by a frank statement of the truth, and
thus possibly prevent him from uniting with the
Whigs and defeating the great democratic measures
of the Session.
Senator Jarnegan of Tennessee called this morning
on business, and after it was transacted I introduced
the subject of the tariff Bill which had passed the
House and was now before the Senate. He at once
informed me that he would vote for the Bill. He
said he had informed many of his friends at home
that he considered the tariff question settled by my
election, and that moreover he was instructed to give
the vote by the Tennessee Legislature.
Tuesday, 14th July, 1846. — This was the regu-
lar day for the meeting of the Cabinet. The Sec-
retary of the Treasury failed to attend. The Atto.
26 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [15 July
Gen'l was also absent in consequence of indisposi-
tion. The other members of the Cabinet remained
about an hour, during which time some matters of
minor importance were attended to. I devoted the
balance of the day to the business on my table.
This was reception evening. The circular par-
lour was filled with visitors, ladies & gentlemen.
Wednesday, isth July, 1846. — The usual num-
ber of visitors called to-day. At 12 O'Clock I
closed my doors, and devoted the balance of the day
to the business on my table. At 2 O'Clock P. M.
Senator Heywood of N. C. called. After convers-
ing with him about an appointment in N. C. the sub-
ject of the tariff Bill now before the Senate was
[mentioned]. I found him indisposed to support it
without amendment. I told him that I thought it
was a choice between the Bill of the House now be-
fore the Senate & the tariff of 1842, and that my
opinion was that if the House bill was amended the
result would be that it would be defeated. I had a
long conversation with him on the subject & he left,
leaving me in doubt how he will vote.
At 5 O'clock P. M. my Private Secretary returned
from the Capitol, and reported to me that Senator
Semple of Illinois had been absent from the Senate
chamber to-dav, and that it was understood that he
was packing his trunk to leave for Illinois this even-
ing or to-morrow morning. I immediately sent Col.
Walker to see Judge Douglass and Mr. Smith ^ of
^ Robert Smith, 1802-1867, Representative from Illinois 1843-
1849.
1846J JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 27
the Illinois delegation and get them if possible to
detain Mr. Semple to vote on the tariff bill. My in-
formation is that the fate of that Bill in the Senate
will depend on a single Democratic vote, and that
if Mr. Semple is absent it will probably be lost.
After Col. Walker left, the P. M. Gen'l called and
I requested him to go and see Mr. Semple, if he had
not left the City, and prevail on him if possible to
remain. About sunset I learned that Mr. Semple
had been at the Rail Road depot at the hour of de-
parture of the cars this evening, with his baggage
on his way to Illinois, but had been prevailed upon
by Mr. Ficklin ^ of 111. to remain until to-morrow
morning. About the same time the P. M. Gen'l re-
turned and reported that he had seen Mr. Semple,
and requested him to call on me tonight. About 8
O'clock P. M. Mr. Semple called. He showed me
a letter which he said he had received from 111. stat-
ing that judgements had been recovered against him
in the Courts of that state for between five and six
thousand dollars, and that his property would be
levied on to satisfy them. I made an earnest appeal
to his patriotism and for the sake of the country to
remain & vote on the tariff bill. After a conversa-
tion of near an hour he agreed to remain and to vote
for the Bill. I can but remark that Mr. Semple has
been disappointed in not getting an office in the
army, and has been dissatisfied for some time past.
(See the notice of him taken in this diary.) The
most tremendous efforts I understand are being made
by the Capitalists who are engaged in manufactures
^Orlando B. Ficklin, Representative from Illinois 1843-1849.
28 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i6 July
to defeat the Bill of the House now before the Sen-
ate to reduce and modify the duties imposed by the
tariff act of 1842. Scores of them I understand are
flocking to Washington for that purpose. The ab-
sence of a single democratic Senator will probably
enable them to effect their object. I considered the
passage of the bill before the Senate the most impor-
tant domestic measure of my administration, and
therefore I take so great an interest in it.
Thursday, 16th July, 1846. — Had the usual
number of visitors this morning; was greatly annoyed
by importunities for office and by beggars for money.
I am applied to almost daily & sometimes half a
dozen times a day for money, by persons who do not
ask it for charitable purposes, but by well dressed
persons, men and women. They call on me to con-
tribute to build Academies, to aid colleges, and for
churches in every part of the Union. Except in the
District of Columbia I am compelled to decline con-
tributing except for charitable purposes; otherwise I
should be utterly bankrupt. The idea seems to pre-
vail with many persons that the President is from his
position compelled to contribute to every loafer who
applies, provided he represents that the sum he wants
is to build a church, an academy, or a college. The
persons who apply to me in the great majority of cases
are wholly unknown to me, and though their applica-
tions are very annoying to me, I am compelled to
decline a compliance with their wishes. They may
censure and slander me, but better this than to be
rendered bankrupt without contributing to the pub-
1846J JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 29
lie good, or receiving any thanks from the scamps
who in a majority of cases apply to me for money.
After night saw Senator Lewis and had a long
conversation with him on the subject of the tariff
and the prospect of the passage of the bill now be-
fore the Senate.
Friday, Ijth July, 1846. — Saw a few persons
who visited me this morning up to 10^ O'Clock A.
M. At that hour about forty Comanche and other
wild tribes from the prairies on the border of Texas
called and had a talk with me. They had become
dissatisfied with their detention in Washington and
desired to return home. I gave them a kind talk and
they retired satisfied, as their interpreters reported to
me. M. G. Lewis, their former agent, was dismissed
from the service of the Government on yesterday.
Senator McDufiie of S. C. was present and remained
until the Indians retired, when I had a full conver-
sation with him on the subject of the tarifif bill now
before the Senate.
I devoted the day to the disposal of the business
on my table until about 3 O'Clock P. M., when
Senator Bagby called and informed me that notwith-
standing all the efiforts of his friends he found Sena-
tor Haywood would separate from his party on the
subject of the tariff bill now before the Senate, and
propose and vote for amendments which would de-
feat it. Senator Bagby informed me that every ef-
fort had been made by himself and a few others to
prevent Mr, Haywood from taking this course, but
he feared without effect.
30 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i8 July
This was reception evening. The parlour was
crowded with ladies & gentlemen. Among others
the Atto. Gen'l, Mr. Mason, was present. He in-
formed me that he had just called on Mr. Haywood,
and that he feared that his course on the tariff bill
could not be changed. In his conversation with Mr.
Mason he had avowed his intention to move amend-
ments to the Bill now before the Senate, & if they
did not prevail Mr. Mason feared he would vote
against the Bill.
Saturday, i8th July, 1846. — Saw Senator Niles
of Connecticut this morning & had a long conversa-
tion with him on the subject of the Bill to reduce the
existing tariff now before the Senate & urged him
to give it his support, but I fear without effect.
At 1 1 O'clock A. M. Lieut. Col. Payne ^ of the U.
S. Army called in company with Gen'l Scott and
all the principal officers of the army stationed at
Washington to exhibit to me several Mexican flags
as the trophies of the victory of the 8th & 9th May,
on the Rio Grande. These flags were captured from
the enemy in the battles on those days, & two of them
had been perforated by balls in these battles. They
had been sent by Gen'l Taylor to Washington as
trophies of the victories of the American arms. Col.
Payne himself was in these battles and had been se-
verely wounded. He walks now on his crutches.
The officers of the army who were present to-day
^ Nathan Mountjoy Payne, Lieutenant Colonel of the 4th
Artillery.
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 31
were in full uniform. A number of ladies and citi-
zens were present on the occasion.
This was the regular day of meeting of the Cabi-
net. The Cabinet did not meet until about 12
O'clock. The Secretary of the Treasury and the
Atto. Gen'l did not attend. The Cabinet after at-
tending to some matters of importance connected
with the war with Mexico adjourned about i^
O'clock P. M. In consequence of a letter received
at the War Department from the Governor of Mis-
souri, giving information that a larger Mexican force
than had been anticipated were assembled in New
Mexico to resist the approach of the U. S. forces
under Gen'l Kearney, I directed the Secretary of
War (he and the Cabinet concurring with me in its
propriety) to despatch an officer of the army with
orders to Gen'l Shields of Illinois to proceed with
one of the Regiments of Illinois volunteers after
Gen'l Kearney to Santa Fe. It was apprehended
that Gen'l Shields may have left for the lower Rio
Grande before this order could reach him, and in
that event a requisition for an additional Regiment
of 1000 infantry was directed to be forwarded to
the Gov. of Missouri. If Gen'l Shields had moved
to the South before the messenger reached Illinois,
then the requisition was to be made on the Governor
of Missouri, but not otherwise.
Sunday, igth July, 1846. — Attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day in company with Mrs.
Polk.
32 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 July
Monday, 20th July, 1846. — The usual round of
company called this morning, among whom were
several office seekers, a circumstance which is by no
means unusual. Among others Col. Benton, to
whom I had addressed a note this morning request-
ing it, called. I informed him of a letter which the
Secretary of War had received from the Governor
of Missouri suggesting the necessity of calling out
an additional 1000 volunteers to march to Santa Fe,
in consequence of information which he had received
that a large Mexican force would defend that place
and the Province of New Mexico. I consulted Col.
Benton on the subject. He had no idea that so large
a force as 3000 or 5000 men could be brought to the
field by Mexico, that being the number mentioned
by the Governor of Missouri as the probable Mexi-
can force under the command of the Mexican Gen'l
Urrea. He approved the order which I informed
him had been given, to march one of the Illinois
Regiments, if they had not left for the Rio Grande,
in the direction to [of] Santa Fe to join Gen'l Kear-
ney.
I had a conversation with Col. Benton in relation
to the probability of the passage of the Bill of the
Ho. Repts. through the Senate to reduce and modify
the tariff act of 1842. He thought it would pass
the Senate by a very close vote, and agreed with me
that it would probably depend upon the vote of Sen-
ator Haywood of N. C. I knew Col. B's intimacy
with Mr. Haywood and requested him to induce him
if practicable to vote for the Bill. He said he would
do so. In the course of the afternoon I received a
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 33
note from Col. Benton expressing the opinion in sub-
stance that Mr. Haywood would not seperate from
his political friends but would vote for the Bill. I
also spo[ke] this morning to Senator Bagby on the
subject of Senator Haywood's course on the Bill to
reduce the tariff. Upon Mr. Haywood's vote, I am
satisfied, depends the fate of the tariff-bill or rather
the Bill to reduce the tariff, and therefore the great
solicitude I feel on the subject. Senator Bagby said
he had a day or two ago conversed with Mr. H. on
the subject and had great doubt how he would vote.
He promised me to see him again on the subject.
At 12 O'clock a delegation of 8 or 10 persons
from Berks County, Pennsylvania, called upon me.
Among them were the Hon. E. B. Hubley (former
member of Congress) Dr. Muhlenberg (son of
the late Henry A Muhlenberg) & Mr. Saladay.
, The names of the others I do not remember. They
stated that they had come to Washington to see if
some compromise on the Bill now before Congress
in relation to a reduction of the tariff could not be
effected. They expressed great alarm, if it passed
the Senate in the form it had passed the House, that
it would prostrate the iron and coal interest in Penn-
sylvania and reduce the Democracy of that State to
a minority, and they appealed to me to know if such
a compromise in relation to iron & coal could not be
effected. I told them that my views on the subject
of the tariff were before Congress & that these views
I had not changed. They asked me if I would give
my assent to a compromise in relation to these lead-
ing interests in Pennsylvania and thus save the Dem-
34 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 July
ocratic party in that State from overthrow. I told
them I must leave the matter in the hands of my
Democratic friends in Congress, but if they could
agree upon a compromise within the principles em-
braced in my message to Congress on the 2nd of
December last I would be rejoiced at it. They said
all they wished was adequate protection on iron &
coal. I asked them what protection they would con-
sider adequate on these articles. They said a reduc-
tion of 20 per cent on the present rates of duty, and
that 33 1-3 per cent had been mentioned by some of
the manufacturers. I told them that this was a mat-
ter wholly for the consideration of Congress. They
still urged a compromise & said they had been ad-
vised to call on me on the subject by some democratic
Senators. I then told them that I was not author-
ized to speak for any democratic member of Con-
gress on the subject, but that I would express an
opinion on one point. It was this, viz., " that [if]
a proposition such as they had suggested was made,
it must come from the Pennsylvania Senators, and
that if made by them, before it would probably be
entertained by the other Democratic members of
Congress they must pledge themselves that if the
amendment of Compromise was adopted they would
vote for the Bill as amended & that the Pennsylvania
Democratic members in the Ho. Repts. would
vote for it also. I told them that if such a compro-
mise could be agreed upon I should be rejoiced at
it, but repeated that this I must leave to Congress,
and could not myself take the initiative in the matter.
They retired apparently in a good humor. I sent
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 3s
immediately for the Secretary of the Treasury and
informed him of what had occurred. He left to go
to the Senate Chamber to confer with some of the
Southern Senators on the subject and to advise them
of what had occur[r]ed. About 8 O'Clock P. M.
the Secretary of the Treasury called again, and in-
formed me that he had conferred with Senator
McDuffie of S. C. and informed him of the inter-
view between the gentlemen from Penn. and myself.
Whilst Mr. Walker and myself were in conversation
on the subject, Senators Lewis and Yulee called, and
I informed them of all that [had] occur[r]ed. They
both agreed that if it was ascertained with certainty
that Senator Haywood would vote against the Bill
as it now stood, that it would be better to accept the
Penn. compromise, if it was made, than to lose the bill.
They agreed also that it would be better to agree to
the amendment suggested by Mr. Haywood to post-
pone the commencement of the operation of the Bill
to the 5th of March next than to loose the Bill.
They said they would ascertain with certainty from
Mr. Haywood what his course would be and be gov-
erned in their action accordingly.
Tuesday, 21st July, 1846. — This was the regu-
lar day for the meeting of the Cabinet. Before the
hour of assembling of the Cabinet arrived Andrew
Johnson, one of the Representatives from Tennessee,
called. He had not been in my office or at the Presi-
dent's Mansion for many weeks, indeed months, ex-
cept once for a few minutes about 2 months ago in
company with the Hon. John Blair and some other
36 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [21 July
East Tennesseeans who called and remained for a
few minutes. After stating a trivial matter of busi-
ness which I suppose was his apology or pretext for
calling, he said there was a matter that he wished to
talk about with me. He said he had held a con-
versation with Mr. Cave Johnson (the P. M. Gen'l)
a few days ago, and was surprised to learn from him
that his course in opposition to the administration, as
he said Mr. C. Johnson informed him, was under-
stood and marked by the administration. He was
very much agitated in his manner. He said he did
not wish to be understood as making an apology,
and then went on to say that he was a democrat &
had spent a great deal of time and money in my sup-
port in Tennessee, and particularly in 1844, and
complained that his politics should now be suspected.
He said he thought it best to come and hold a frank
conversation with me at once. I told him I was
glad he had done so, and that I would be equally
frank with him. I told him that having belonged
to the same party and having acted with him politi-
cally in Tennessee, I had no other thought at the
opening of the present Session of Congress than that
he would be a friend & supporter of my administra-
tion, that I was pleased at his election and expected
to be on terms of free intercourse with him, but that
I had heard from members of Congress, that he and
Geo. W. Jones of Tennessee were, from some cause
unknown to me, dissatisfied, and were often finding
fault with my administration. I told him that mem-
bers of the House had come to me and enquired what
they meant by their course; and had stated to me
1840] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 37
that upon some occasions when they had expostulated
with them against their course, and had urged them
to support particular measures because they were
administration measures, that they had replied that
they were independent men and were not under the
dictation of anybody. I told him that he knew I
had not attempted to dictate to them, or in any way
to control their course, and that I thought this strange
language to come from Representatives from my
own State who had been elected as democrats. I
told him that I did not know that it was necessary
to specify instances of his opposition, but that I
would mention one, and more if necessary. It was
this, that when some weeks ago a bill was before the
House concerning the appointment of Clerks in the
public offices at Washington, Mr. Douglass of Illi-
nois remarked that the President would be poorly
employed in the pitiful and little business of ap-
pointing clerks & messengers, or to this purport, he
(Mr. Johnson) in a sarcastic and bitter tone as I was
informed, rose and asked Mr. Douglass if the Presi-
dent was not at the very moment engaged in that em-
ployment. Much surprise had been expressed to me
by members of Congress at such an attack from a
Tennessee democrat. I told him I had seen the re-
port of what he had said in the Newspapers of the
City and that I had never seen it corrected. I told
him that he knew he had done me injustice, and that
he himself had importuned me early in the Session
about appointing clerks, and especially about pro-
moting Mr. Russell of East Tennessee, and I sup-
posed had been dissatisfied because it was not done.
38 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [21 July
I told him that I regarded this occur[r]ence as evi-
dence of his hostility, and this added to the many
instances in which he had been found acting with
my political opponents, coupled with the facts that
I had heard he had often made complaints publicly
of my Tennessee appointments, and that he had kept
himself away from me for three or four months, had
confirmed me in the opinion that he was acting in
hostility to my administration. He had mentioned
the fact in the course of his conversation that George
W. Jones and himself had been marked by the ad-
ministration & their course condemned. I told him
that Mr. Jones's course had been highly exception-
able; that among other things Mr. Jones had in the
early part of the Session, in a speech in the House,
made a violent and unwarranted attack on the Post
Master Gen'l and the Attorney Gen'l, and had upon
other occasions given conclusive evidence of his op-
position to the administration. I told him that Mr.
Cave Johnson had informed me that a few weeks ago
in his office Mr. Jones had broken out in a violent
strain in the presence of strangers who were present,
and said that the only way to get an office from this
administration was to become doubtful in politics,
and then be bought up. I told Mr. Johnson that I
had not given either him or Mr. Jones any cause for
their extraordinary course. I told him that in con-
sequence of it, when I came to make the late military
appointments in Tennessee, I had sent for and con-
sulted the other democratic members from the State,
but had not sent for them. He said if he was to be
a victim he wished to know it. I told him the ad-
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 39
ministration had not attempted to make a victim of
him, but that his course was a matter to be settled
between him and his constituents. I told him that
though I had reason to be dissatisfied with his course,
I had never mentioned it to any of his constituents,
although John Blair and several others of them had
been here. He said that Jones was a good democrat
and that he was one. I told him I had always re-
garded them as such, but that certainly their course
at the present Session was a very singular one. I
told him that I had been the friend of Jones and
of himself and that I had expected to receive from
them that support which all preceding administra-
tions had received from the members of Congress of
their own party from their own State, but that in-
stead of that not a word had been said in my vindi-
cation by either of them at times when I had been
violently assailed by the Whigs in the Ho. Repts.
He said he thought Mr. Martin and Mr. Stanton
had my confidence. I told him that at the beginning
of the Session I had confidence in all the democratic
representatives from Tennessee, and that I had now
in these two gentlemen and in Mr. CuUum and Mr.
Chase, and that it was only because of the unaccount-
able course of Mr. Jones & himself that I had been
most reluctantly compelled to regard them as being
unfriendly to me and to my administration. It was
a conversation of more than an hour's length, and it
was manifest from the tenor of it that he wished to
play the demagogue at home, and to assume that the
administration intended to attack him and make a
victim of him. This I repelled at once, and told
40 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [21 July
him I should pursue my public policy, and submit
my public conduct to the country, that I sought to
control no man's course, that he had a perfect right
to differ with me if he chose to do so, and that if he
did so the people and especially his democratic con-
stituents, who were my friends, would judge between
us. In the latter part of the conversation he was
subdued in his tone, and recounted the political serv-
ices he had rendered me in Tennessee, and alluded to
and dwelt on the abuse he had received from the
Whigs in his district & especially from Brownlow ^
in his paper at Jonesborough. I told him that his
course and that of Mr. Jones, coming as they did
from my own State, had given me great concern and
pain, and that I had no desire to have any collision
with them, but that their course had almost forced it
upon me. He left professing to be a good democrat
and denying that he was opposed to me or my ad-
ministration. The truth is that neither Johnson or
Jones have been my personal friends since 1839.
They were in the Baltimore Convention in 1844, and
were not my friends then. I doubt whether any two
members of that convention were at heart more dis-
satisfied with my nomination for the Presidency than
they were. This I learned from members of the
convention from Tennessee. Mr. Johnson, I was in-
formed, said at Baltimore when my nomination was
suggested that it was a " humbug." There are no
^ Rev. William G. Brownlow, began publishing the Whig at
Jonesborough in 1837, but soon removed it to Knoxville. Noted
for the bitterness of his political invective; better known as Par-
son Brownlow.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 41
two districts in Tennessee more democratic or in
which I have more devoted friends than those repre-
sented by Johnson and Jones, and though I have it in
my power, as I believe, by communicating the truth
to their constituents to destroy them politically, I
have not done so. They seem to assume to them-
selves the right to judge of the appointments in Ten-
nessee, and to denounce them among members of
Congress and in boarding houses as though they were
responsible for them. I think it fortunate that they
have now learned that their course has not been un-
observed by me. Perhaps their course may here-
after be better, but I am satisfied if it is so it will
only be from the fear of their constituents. I would
almost prefer to have two Whigs here in their stead,
unless they act better than they have done at the pres-
ent Session of Congress.
The Cabinet met between 1 1 & 12 O'Clock to-day,
all the members present except the Secretary of the
Treasury. Nothing of importance was brought up.
I sent to the Senate to-day the correspondence be-
tween the Secretary of State & Mr. McLane, U. S.
Minister to England. I sent the whole of the in-
structions and correspondence of the Secretary of
State, and such extracts from Mr. McLane's de-
spatches as I thought compatible with the public in-
terest to communicate.
This was reception evening, and about 100 per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, attended.
Wednesday, 22nd July, 1846. — Had the usual
round of Company to-day, and the usual annoyance
42 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [22 July
from office seekers until 12 O'Clock, when I closed
my doors. Among others the Hon. James M.
Porter ^ of Pennsylvania, late Secretary of War,
called. He desired to see me on the subject of the
Bill which had passed the Ho. Repts. and is now be-
fore the Senate to reduce and modify the tarifif act of
1842. I held a conversation with him of the same
substance and import of the conversation which I
held with certain gentlemen from Pennsylvania on
the same subject on monday, the 20th Instant (see
this diary of that day). He informed me that the
democratic members of Congress from Pennsylvania,
and certain citizens of Pennsylvania, of whom
he was one, held a caucus in this City on mon-
day last on the subject of the tariff, but had come
to no definite understanding of the precise terms of
compromise they would offer. This was a rainy
evening, & the marine band which usually plays on
the President's grounds on each Wednesday evening,
did not appear.
I omitted to state that this morning the Secretary
of the Navy, attended by about 20 Captains of the
Navy in full uniform, called and paid their respects
to me in my office. They were headed by Commo-
dore Stewart, the Senior Commodore among them.
These officers are assembled here to consider and re-
port to the Secretary of the Navy concerning certain
regulations proposed to be adopted in relation to
promotions in the Navy, viz., whether in their opin-
ion it should be by seniority or by merit.
^ Secretary of War 1 843-1 844, and a prominent jurist of
Pennsylvania.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 43
Thursday, 23rd July, 1846. — Saw company to-
day until 12 O'clock. Nothing worthy of note oc-
curred. At about 2 O'clock P. M. Mr. Pakenham,
the Brittish Minister, called and delivered to me an
autograph letter from Victoria, Queen of the United
Kingdom of Great Brittain and Ireland, [which]
announced the birth in the month of May last of a
Princess. I told Mr. Pakenham that I congratu-
lated her Majesty, and added that it was not prob-
able that there would be any failure in the lineal
line of a successor of her Majesty to the Throne.
Mr. Pakenham remarked that he had made a similar
annunciation to the President every year since her
Majesty had been married.
Senator Haywood called during the time I was
receiving Mr. Pakenham in the parlour and re-
mained in my office until my interview with Mr.
Pakenham was over. I had addressed a note to Mr.
Senator Hay^vood on yesterday morning requesting
him to call. He called about the time that Mr.
Pakenham did. I met him in the hall below stairs
on my way to the parlour to see Mr. Pakenham. He
remained in my office until I returned. I made an
earnest appeal to him in regard to what was under-
stood to be his intended course on the Bill of the Ho.
Repts. to modify and reduce the tariff of 1842, and
urged him to give it his support. I found him much
opposed to the Bill. Indeed he used the strong ex-
pression, " I would rather die than vote for it." He
said if the Senate would agree to vote in an amend-
ment to postpone the commencement of its operation
from the ist of December next until the 4th of March
44 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [23 July
next he would vote for it. I told him that the prin-
cipal objection to such an amendment would be that
it might put in jeopardy the fate of the Bill in the
Ho. Repts. He seemed to have no other objection
to the Bill, except that he thought it would be too
sudden a revolution of the existing system. I told
him that the Senate in my opinion had to choose be-
tween the Bill of the Ho. Repts. and the act of 1842,
and that if he voted against the House bill he would
be voting in effect to rivet & continue the act of 1842
on the country, which was manifestly oppressive and
unjust. I had a long conversation with him, but it
would be too tedious to repeat the arguments I used
to induce him to vote for the Ho. Bill. He left leav-
ing me satisfied that unless he changed his mind he
would vote against the Ho. Bill. After he left I
addressed him a note requesting him to call again,
and he did so about 9 O'Clock P. M., when I had a
further conversation with him on the subject. I told
him that I regarded it as the most important domes-
tic measure of my administration, and that from all I
had learned its fate would depend on his vote. I
suggested to him whether he could not vote for it,
as a choice between it & the tariff act of 1842, and if
it passed bring in a Bill, if he chose, postponing its
operation until the 4th of March next as he desired.
I told him that if he voted against it, he would be
the only Democratic member of either House from
the South who would do so, that the 6 Democratic
members from his own State had voted for it. I
told him if he voted against it he would strike a
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 45
severe blow upon my administration, inflict great
injury on the country, and as a friend I must say to
him that I thought he would ruin himself. I begged
him for his own sake, for the sake of the country, and
for the success of my administration to consider well
before he voted against it. He was manifestly
deeply impressed with the appeal which I made to
him, and left saying that he would think of it to the
last moment before he voted. Before he left I told
him I had been informed that a rumour was abroad
that he had spoken of resigning his seat in the Senate,
and I begged him not to do so. I told him if he re-
signed the effect would be the same as if he voted
against the Bill, for it was understood that if he
voted for the Bill the Senate would be equally di-
vided and that would enable the Vice President to
give his casting vote for the Bill.
After Mr. Haywood left at about 9>^ O'Clock
P. M. I saw Senators McDufhe & Lewis and Gen'l
McKay of N. C, and had a full conversation with
them about the prospects of passing the House Bill
to reduce the tarifif. They agreed that it depended
on Mr. Haywood's vote, unless Senator Jarnegan
of Tennessee voted for the Bill, as he had repeat-
edly said he would do, in which event the Senate
would still be tied even if Mr. Haywood voted
against it. The Secretary of the Treasury came in
during the conversation and participated in it. All
agreed that they would ascertain on to-morrow
whether the Bill in its present form could pass, and
if they ascertained it could not, they would en-
46 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [24 July
deavour to effect some compromise with the Pennsyl-
vania Senators, and if possible to pass it in some
modified form.
Friday, 24th July, 1846. — Saw company until
12 O'clock to-day. Saw in the course of the morn-
ing Senators Bagby and Dix, and had an earnest
conversation with each on the subject of the tariff
Bill and the probabilities of Mr. Haywood's vote,
upon which they thought the fate of the Bill de-
pended. Each of them said he would see him again
and urge him to vote for it. I devoted the day un-
til the evening in disposing of the business on my
table.
At 6j/4 O'clock the Comanche and other wild In-
dians, about 40 in number, called to take leave of
me before they left for their homes. The Secretary
of War, the commissioner of Indian affairs, and sev-
eral other persons were present. I presented to each
of the Chiefs, about 18 in number, a Silver Medal as
a token of friendship, with which they seemed to be
well pleased. The Secretary of War & Commis-
sioner of Indian affairs had presented to each Indian
some presents before they called on me. They left
apparently well pleased, promising to keep the peace
and be friendly with the U. States.
This was reception evening. About the usual
number of persons, ladies and gentlemen, attended.
After the company retired Vice President Dallas
& the Secretary of the Treasury retired to my office
to talk with me about a proposed compromise of the
tariff question, which had been suggested by a lead-
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 47
ing manufacturer to the Secretary of the Treasury.
It was to reduce now all the existing duties one-
fourth of the excess above 30 per. ct. ; at the end of
5 years another %, & at the end of 10 years to bring
the duties down to the rates of the pending Bill.
Mr. Dallas was in favour of the proposition. I did
not encourage it, fearing it might produce confusion
6 be the means of losing the Bill. Mr. Dallas said
if the Democrats did not agree to it he would let
them know, if it came to his casting vote they might
loose [lose] the Bill as it was.
Saturday, 2jth July, 1846. — This was cabinet
day; all the members present except the Secretary
of the Treasury. Some unimportant business was
transacted. The Secretary of the Navy left early to
attend to business at his office.
About I O'clock P. M. Senator Jarnigan and Mr.
Wheaton of the Ho. Repts. called as a committee on
enrolled Bills, and presented to me several Bills for
my approval, & among the[m] the Harbour and
River Bill. On presenting them Mr. Jarnagan
jocosely remarked, now you have a chance for a
veto, and to that purport.
Mr. Buchanan in a familiar and jocose manner
inquired of Mr. Jarnegan about the prospects of
passing the tariff Bill now before the Senate, and
said there were speculations abroad in the City to
know how the Senators from Tennessee would vote.
Mr. Jarnegan immediately replied in a serious &
emphatic tone that his vote was no secret, that he was
instructed to vote for just such a Bill as this was, and
48 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [25 July
that he should do so. I have heretofore doubted
Mr. Jarnegan's vote, though he had before declared
to me that he would vote for the Bill, but I have now
no doubt from his positive declaration in the pres-
ence of the Cabinet and of Mr. Wheaton that he will
do so.
After the Cabinet adjourned, and about 3>4
O'clock, I was astonished to learn that Senator Hay-
wood had to-day addressed a letter to the Vice Presi-
dent resigning his seat in the Senate of the U. S.^
It was a great error, and I am sure he will deeply
regret it. The fate of the tarifif-bill will now de-
pend on the vote of Senator Jarnegan. If he votes
as he declared he would to-day, the Bill will still
pass. I sincerely regret Mr. Haywood's course. I
was at college with him and have ever been his
friend. I believe him to be an honest and pure man,
but a man of great vanity and possessing a good deal
of self esteem. He is, I think, ambitious, and had
probably a desire to have some participation or
authorship in effecting the contemplated tariff re-
form. From some feeling of this sort and without
due reflection, I conjecture, he took ground against
the tariff bill, and having committed himself was of
too proud a spirit, when he found himself separated
from all his friends and that none of them would go
with him, to recede. He is moreover nervous, & in
an excited state, no doubt, tendered his resignation.
I give not the slightest heed to the painful insinu-
^ Haywood issued an address, August 10, 1846, to the people
of North Carolina, giving the causes and a defence of his resigna-
tion. Printed in Globe, 29 Cong, i Sess. App. 107.
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 49
ations which I learn this evening are made by illib-
eral persons as to the motives & causes which have in-
duced his course. I differ with him in opinion and
think he has erred in resigning, but that he has done
so from good motives and from the causes stated
above I have as little doubt.
About 6 O'clock the Secretary of the Treasury
called and informed me that he had just been in-
formed that IVIr. Senator Jarnegan had spoken this
evening about resigning his seat also. Should he do
so, and Mr. Haywood's successor reach here in time,
the tariff bill will be lost by one vote. On hearing
this I immediately sent for Senator Turney and in-
formed him of it. He left for the purpose of seeing
Mr. Jarnegan, but before he did so he informed me
of a very important fact. It was this, that a manu-
facturer who was in the City a few days ago had
urged him to vote against the tariff-bill and had
called to see him on the subject two or three times;
that in his last conversation this person (whose name
he did not mention) had described the prosperity
which would prevail if the pending Bill did not
pass, and had said to him, Turney, that if it did not
pass he could loan to him (Turney) any amount of
money which he might want. Turney was indig-
nant at it, and considered it an attempt in this indi-
rect way to induce him to vote against the Bill ; or in
other words an attempt to bribe. Turney expressed
the opinion to me that money would be used, if it
could be, to defeat the Bill. I was shocked at the
story, and said nothing but to express my astonish-
ment.
50 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [26 July
Sunday, 26th July, 1846. — I was unwell to-day
and did not attend church. Mr. Cave Johnson
called early in the morning and took breakfast with
us. Mrs. Polk & Miss Rucker attended church ac-
companied by Mr. Johnson.
Senator Turney called about i^ O'Clock and took
dinner with us. He told me he had seen Senator
Jarnegan who told him he would not resign his seat
in the Senate, but would vote for the tarifif-bill now
before the Senate; that he had read to him the speech
which he had written out, and which he intended to
deliver to the Senate before he gave his vote, & he,
Turney, had no doubt he would do as he said he
would.
Col. Benton called this evening, having been re-
quested by Mr. Cave Johnson to do so. I read to
him a despatch ^ to the Mexican Government pro-
posing to renew negotiations with a view to peace,
which Mr. Buchanan had prepared, and asked him
his opinion as to the policy of sending it. He ap-
proved it & advised that it be sent. I told Col. Ben-
ton that if Congress would pass an appropriation of
two millions of dollars, such as was passed in 1803
to enable Mr. Jefiferson to purchase Louisiana, or
in 1806 to enable him to purchase the Floridas, I
had but little doubt that by paying that sum in hand
at the signature of a Treaty we might procure Cali-
fornia and such a boundary as we wished, and that
in the present impoverished condition of Mexico the
knowledge that such a sum would be paid in hand
might induce Mexico to Treat, when she might not
^ Moore, Buchanan, VII, 40.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 51
otherwise do so. Col. Benton approved the sugges-
tion and advised that I should see some members of
the committee of Foreign affairs on the subject.
We had some conversation in relation to Senator
Haywood's resignation of his seat in the Senate. We
both thought it was a great error, but agreed that he
was an honest and pure man, but that he was nervous
and had acted hastily.
Monday, 2'jth July, 1846. — I was occupied as
usual until 12 O'Clock to-day in seeing company,
office seekers and others. I spent the balance of the
day in writing a veto message on the Harbour and
River Bill, appropriating between one and two mil-
lions of dollars, which has passed Congress and was
presented to me by the committee on enrolled Bills
on Saturday last, the 25th Instant. As I cannot ap-
prove this Bill and have resolved to veto it, I was
occupied to-day in examining the subject and pre-
paring a message assigning my objections to its
passage.
About 6 O'clock P. M. my Private Secretary re-
turned from the Capitol and informed me that the
Bill of the House to reduce the tariff had been com-
mitted to the committee on Finance after a stormy
and violent debate by a majority of one vote, Mr.
Jarnegan having disregarded his instructions and
voted with his Whig friends. Jarnegan holds the
fate of the Bill in his hands and there [is] no reliance
to be placed upon him. He declared on Saturday
last in presence of the Cabinet, when he called on me
as a member of the committee of enrolled Bills to
52
JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [28 July
present to me some Bills which had passed Congress,
that he would vote for the Bill, and yet to-day he
voted to embarrass and defeat it. The folly and
great error of Senator Haywood in resigning his
seat in the Senate has put the control of the Bill in
the hands of Mr. Jarnegan and he may defeat it, not-
withstanding his pledges repeatedly made to vote
for it.
Tuesday, 28th July, 1846. — Saw several mem-
bers of Congress this morning, who were much con-
cerned about the fate of the Bill to reduce the tariff
which it was expected would be decided by the Sen-
ate to-day. All agreed it would depend on Mr.
Jarnegan's vote. The Cabinet held a regular meet-
ing to-day at the usual hour, all the members pres-
ent except the Secretary of the Treasury. No busi-
ness of importance was brought before the Cabinet,
and after a short sitting the Cabinet adjourned.
About 2 O'clock I received a note from Senator
Bagby informing me that the tariff bill had been
ordered to a third reading by the casting vote of the
Vice President, Mr. Jarnegan declining to vote. A
slight amendment had been made to the Bill. At
5 O'clock P. M. Mr. Ritchie called and informed
me that the Bill had passed its final reading by a ma-
jority of one vote, Senator Jarnegan voting for it.
If the amendment be concurred in by the Ho. Repts.
the Bill will only require the approval of the Presi-
dent to become a law.
This was reception evening and an unusually large
number of persons attended, ladies and gentlemen,
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 53
among whom were an unusual number of members
of Congress, all of them I believe of the Democratic
party, who were exchanging congratulations on the
passage of the tariff bill in the Senate to-day. They
seemed to be confident that the Ho. Repts. would
concur in the amendment made by the Senate, but
I had my doubts and expressed them to several
members.
After the company had nearly all retired Mr.
Woodworth of N. Y. of the Ho. Repts. called and in-
formed me that the N. Y. Democratic members of
the Ho. Repts. had held a caucus to-night at which
he was present. He informed me that five of them
who had voted in favour of the Bill, viz.^ Rathbun,
King, Wood, Grover, and Goodyear would, he
thought, vote against concurring in the amendment
of the Senate to the tarifif Bill, with a view [of] de-
feating the Bill by a disagreement between the two
Houses. This gave me great uneasiness especially
as I learned that the Whigs with the same object in
view would vote against it, and that the Democratic
portion of the Pennsylvania delegation would unite
with them and make great efforts to defeat the Bill.
Upon hearing this, after the violent struggle which
had taken place in the Senate on yesterday & to-day,
I had great fears that there might be a sufficient de-
fection in the Ho. Repts. to defeat it. The City is
swarming with manufacturers who are making tre-
mendous exertions to defeat it. The truth is that
such a struggle has rarely been witnessed in Con-
gress, as that between the Capitalists engaged in man-
ufactures on the one hand, and the advocates of mod-
54 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [29 July
erate and reasonable taxes. The deepest anxiety
prevails & will continue to prevail until the decision
of the House on the Senate's amendment shall take
place.
Wednesday, 2gth July, 1846. — Saw company
this morning. Fewer persons than usual called.
After 12 O'clock I was occupied in disposing of the
business on my table, and in examining the provisions
of the Harbour and River Bill, which passed Con-
gress some days ago and was presented to me for my
approval on Saturday last. Upon the first examina-
tion of the Bill I was satisfied that I could not con-
sistently with my opinions give it my approval, and
the more I have examined the more important ques-
tions of constitutional power which it involves, the
more I am confirmed in that opinion. I have ac-
cordingly written a portion of what I propose to in-
corporate in a veto message to Congress.
About 2 O'clock P. M. Senator Bagby called and
informed me that the Ho. Repts. had concurred in
the amendment of the Senate to the Bill to reduce
the tariff of duties. The five N. York democratic
members named in yesterday's Journal voted, as I
learn, with the opponents of the Bill (the Whigs)
upon all the collateral & incidental questions which
arose, the vote on some of which was very close, be-
ing decided by a single vote in favour of the Bill.
It is certain from what I learn of the proceedings of
the House, that Messrs. Grover, Goodyear, King,
Rathbun, & Wood of the N. York delegation desired
to defeat the Bill, and yet feared upon a direct vote
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 55
to record their votes against it. This great measure
of reform has been thus successful. It has given rise
to an immense struggle between the two great po-
litical parties of the country. The capitalists & mo-
nopolists have not surrendered the immense advan-
tages which they possessed, and the enormous profits
w^hich they derived under the tariff of 1842, until
after a fierce and mighty struggle. This City has
swarmed with them for weeks. They have spared
no effort within their power to sway and control!
Congress, but all has proved to be unavailing and
they have been at length vanquished. Their effort
will probably now be to raise a panic (such as they
have already attempted) by means of their combined
wealth, so as to induce a repeal of the act. The
Pennsylvania Democracy have been placed in a false
position upon this subject. Her public men have not
had the moral courage to take bold ground and pro-
claim the true doctrines to her people. Pennsyl-
vania is essentially an agricultural state, & as a com-
munity cannot be interested in imposing enormous
taxes on the many for the benefit of the few. I do
not doubt that Pennsylvania will continue to be dem-
ocratic if her public men and presses shall have the
independence and moral courage to avow the truth
as they know it to exist.
Thursday, 30th July, 1846. — Was engaged in
receiving company this morning until 12 O'Clock.
Fewer persons than usual called.
About I O'clock P. M. the committee of enrolled
Bills of Congress called and presented to me the Bill
56 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [31 J^ly
to reduce the tariff of duties which had passed Con-
gress. As soon [as] the Committee retired 1 read
the Bill carefully and approved and signed it.
I devoted some time to-day to a further examina-
tion of the Harbour and River Bill, which was pre-
sented to me for my approval on Saturday last.
Senator McDuffie (Ch. of the Com. of Foreign af-
fairs) called this morning to see me on the subject
of our relations with Mexico, and other foreign mat-
ters. I told [him] my object in the existing war was
not conquest, but that in concluding a peace I desired
in consideration of a fair equivalent to acquire Cal-
ifornia and otherwise adjust a suitable boundary.
This he approved. I then told him that in the pres-
ent state of the Mexican finances, I had but little
doubt if I possessed some $2,000,000 of dollars to pay
down on the signature of the treaty, that the matter
could be settled. He concurred in this opinion.
Friday, jist July, 1846. — I received no company
to-day except a few persons on special business. I
devoted the greater part of the day in writing and re-
vising my message assigning my objections to the
River & Harbour Bill, and giving my reasons for
withholding my approval of the Bill. Senator Cass
(a member of the committee of Foreign affairs of
the Senate) called to-day, and I saw him. We had
a long conversation on the subject of our Mexican
relations, in which I made the same suggestions
which I had done to Senator McDuffie on yesterday.
I called his attention to the act of Congress of 1803
placing $2,000,000 of dollars at the disposition of
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY S7
Mr. Jefferson to enable him to purchase Louisiana;
and to a similar act in 1806 with a view to the pur-
chase of the Floridas. I expressed my opinion of
the importance of Congress passing a similar act ap-
propriating $2,000,000 to be used if necessary in a
Treaty with Mexico, by which a suitable & satisfac-
tory boundary should be obtained, including Cali-
fornia as well as New Mexico, and perhaps further
South if practicable. I expressed my opinion that if
I was authorized to pay such a sum as a part of the
price, that the Government of Mexico in the present
straightened condition of her finances might be in-
duced to treat, when without such prompt payment
she might not be willing to do so. In all this Gen'l
Cass fully concurred. I suggested that I might send
a message to the Senate in Executive Session, and if
the suggestion was approved that the Senate could in
open Session passed [pass] such an act. This he also
approved. I authorized him to consult with a few
Senators confidentially on the subject. He advised
me to see Mr. Archer (a member of the com. of for.
affairs of the Senate) on the subject.
When my private Secretary went to the Capitol I
told him to request Senator Archer to call at 7
O'clock. He did so and at that hour Mr. Archer
called. I made the same communication to him on
the subject of our Mexican affairs, which I had made
to Gen'l Cass this [morning]. We had a full con-
versation on the subject, and Mr. Archer was in-
clined to concur in my views. T told him I did not
desire to make such a movement, or that Congress
should attempt to make the appropriation, if it was
58 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY li Aug.
to be a party question. Mr. Archer said he would
consult with some of the Whig Senators and let me
know their views.
This was reception evening. The usual number
of persons, ladies and gentlemen, attended.
Saturday, Ist August, 1846. — The Cabinet held
a regular meeting to-day, all the members present.
I informed the Cabinet that I had made up my mind
to put my veto on the Harbour and River Bill, which
had passed Congress and was presented to me for my
approval and signature on Saturday last. I told
them that I had prepared the draft of [a] message
assigning my reasons for withholding my approval
of the Bill. I read the message. I had not before
shown it in its revised form to any member of the
Cabinet, except to Judge Mason, to whom I had sub-
mitted my first rough draft, which he took at my re-
quest and suggested some modifications in a draft of
his own, but at the same time adopted the principal
part of mine. This occurred on Wednesday last. I
took the two drafts and rewrote it. I did not con-
sult the Cabinet to ascertain their opinions on the
subject. Having made up my mind that I could not
sign the Bill under any circumstances, it was unneces-
sary to consult the Cabinet on the subject. No one
of the Cabinet expressed an objection to my course;
though I have a strong impression that, if they had
been consulted, Messrs. Buchanan, Marcy, Bancroft,
& perhaps Walker would have advised me to ap-
prove and sign the Bill. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Ma-
son I know concurred in opinion with me, and I
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 59
am not positively certain as to the opinions of
Messrs. Bancroft and Walker. They all, however,
expressed the opinion that the draft of the message
which I had read was a strong paper & was well
drawn.
I brought before the Cabinet the present condition
of our Mexican relations, and submitted to them
whether they would advise me to make a message on
the subject to the Senate in Executive Session, com-
municating with it a copy of Mr. Buchanan's last
despatch to the Minister of Foreign afifairs of Mex-
ico proposing to renew negotiations, written some
week or ten days ago, and submitting to the Senate in
my message the importance of Congress making an
appropriation similar to that made in 1803 in refer-
ence to the acquisition of Louisiana & that in 1806
in reference to the acquisition of the Floridas. At
first there appeared to be some division of opinion
on the subject. Mr. Walker expressed his doubts.
Mr. Buchanan went to the State Department and
brought his dispatch addressed to the Minister of
Foreign afifairs of Mexico referred to above. I ex-
plained the objects which I had in view, as I had
done to Senators Cass & Archer on yesterday, and to
Senator McDuffie on thursday last (see this diary for
those days). I stated that if it was advised by the
Cabinet I proposed to make the communication in
the first instance to the Senate in Executive Session;
that my object in this was, that if it was not approved
by the Senate that It need not be made public, but if
approved with an approximation to unanimity, a law
similar to the acts of 1803 & 1806 could be introduced
6o JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i Aua
& passed through the Senate with little or no debate.
After a very full discussion of the subject Mr.
Walker expressed himself entirely satisfied of the
wisdom of the course. All the other members of
the Cabinet expressed their approval, and advised
that such a message be sent to the Senate. I then re-
quested Mr. Buchanan, as my time would be much
occupied, to prepare the draft of a message & submit
it to me on monday next.
This morning the Post Master Gen'l informed me
that he had held a conversation with Mr. Buchanan,
and that he thought he had made up his mind to re-
main in the Cabinet, and not to go on the bench of
the Supreme Court of the U. S. I had some weeks
ago informed Mr. Buchanan that he could have the
judgeship or remain in his present position in the
State Department as he might [think] proper. I
had no doubt at that time that he would elect to go
on the bench, and indeed at one time it was so under-
stood between us, but I would not agree that he
should retire from the State Department until near
the close of the present session of Congress (see
this diary).
After the Cabinet adjourned Mr. Mason & Mr.
Johnson remained a few minutes, and I informed
Mr. Mason of what Mr. Johnson had communi-
cated to me. As Mr. Johnson was leaving I re-
quested him to ask Mr. Buchanan to call in the
course of the afternoon.
After Mr. Johnson retired I informed Mr. Mason
that Mr. Bancroft desired to retire from the Navy
Department and take the mission to France at the
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 6i
close of the next Session of Congress, and that I had
informed him that I would gratify his wishes. I
informed him also that Mr. Bancroft had intimated
to me a preference for the English over the French
Mission. I then said to Judge Mason that if Mr.
Buchanan decided to remain in the Cabinet, that I
would tender the English mission to Mr. Bancroft,
and that if he accepted it I would desire him (Judge
Mason) to take his place as Secretary of the Navy.
Judge Mason responded that he had no desire to
change his position in the Cabinet, but intimated
that he would be disposed to yield to my wishes &
aid me in my administration in any situation that I
might desire him to occupy.
Mr. Buchanan called about 6 O'Clock P. M. and
informed me that he had decided to remain in the
Cabinet and not to accept the offer which I had
made him to appoint him Judge of the Supreme
Court. He said that he did this cheerfully, al-
though he had long desired a seat on the bench, and
that now he would stick to me & go through my
administration with me. I then told him that I
would nominate Judge Greer of Pittsburg to the
vacant seat on the bench on monday next. He re-
plied that he would be entirely satisfied with Judge
Greer's appointment.
At 7 O'clock P. M. the Hon. Mr. Dromgoole of
Va. of the Ho. Repts. called, as I had previously
requested him to do. I informed him of my inten-
tion to veto the River & Harbour Bill, and read
to him the message which I had prepared, which he
approved.
62 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [2 Aug.
Sunday, 2nd August, 1846. — My nephew, Mar-
shall T. Polk, who has been with me for more than
two years, and since September last has been at
Georgetown College, left this morning to pay a visit
to his mother at Morganton, N. Carolina. It is va-
cation in the college at Georgetown, and he will re-
turn at the commencement of the next Session, which
will be about the middle of September next.
Attended the dedication of a Baptist church on E
Street, near the Gen'l Post office to-day in company
with Mrs. Polk and her niece, Miss Rucker. Heard
an excellent sermon from the text " For I am not
ashamed of the Gospel of Christ."
I saw Mr. Bancroft (the Sec. of the Navy) this
morning and informed him that if he preferred the
English to the French Mission as he had intimated
to me some weeks ago that he did, that he could
have it, but informed him at the same time that if
he accepted it he would have to go out in September.
He received the ofTer I thought favourably, but said
he would like to think of it for twenty four hours.
I had previously promised him to appoint him Min-
ister to France towards the close of the next Session
of Congress.
My Private Secretary at my request invited
Messrs. McKay of N. C, McClernand of 111., Boyd ^
of Ky., and Martin of Tennessee, members of the
Ho. Repts., to call this evening at 8 O'Clock. They
called at that hour., I informed them that I would
put my veto on the Harbour and River Bill, and read
^ Linn Boyd of Kentucky, Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives 1851-1855.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 63
to them the message which I had prepared. I did
this that they might be prepared to vindicate my
course if I should be assailed on the floor of the
House. They approved of my course. Mr. Mc-
Kay said he would have gone further than I had
done in the message, but was satisfied with it. The
provisions and principles of the Bill were the sub-
ject of a conversation of some length, and I explained
to them the objections to particular items in it.
They retired between 9 & 10 O'Clock.
Monday, Jrd August, 1846. — Saw company until
1 1 O'clock this morning. Between 1 1 & 1 2 O'Clock
my Private Secretary went to the Capitol with my
message to the Ho. Repts. putting my veto on the
Harbour and River Bill. I sent to the Senate also
a nomination of Robert C. Grier of Pittsburg, Penn.,
as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of
the U. S. to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death
of Judge Baldwin.
Mr. Charles J. Ingersoll called and inquired at
what time I proposed to send in his nomination to
the Senate as minister to Russia. I answered him,
not before friday or Saturday next. I had promised
to appoint Mr. Ingersoll some months ago, and be-
fore his difficulty in Congress with Mr. Webster
concerning the Secret service fund. Since that time
I had learned from one or two members of my Cabi-
net (to whom alone & to the Vice President I had
made known my intention to appoint Mr. Ingersoll)
that Mr. Ingersoll since his controversy with Mr.
Webster had become unpopular in the Senate, &
64 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 Aug.
would probably be rejected. Before I made the
pledge to Mr. IngersoU I had consulted the Cabinet,
and they had concurred in the opinion that he was
a suitable person & that I could not make a better
selection. I felt it to be my duty this morning to
communicate to Mr. IngersoU what I had heard of
the danger of his rejection by the Senate & I did
so. He seemed to be surprised and said he would
make some inquiry about it.
About 2>4 O'clock P. M. Mr. Kaufman of the
Ho. Repts. from Texas called and informed me that
my veto Message was under discussion in the House.
He was in great difficulty about his course, & called
to get information about the provisions of the Bill
from me. Red River, for the Improvement of which
there is an appropriation in the Bill, runs through
his District. I gave him the information which he
desired. Whilst he was with me I received a note
from Mr. McKay of N. C. requesting me to send to
him the papers explanatory of the different items of
the Bill which I had caused to be prepared at the
Treasury and War Departments, and which I had
showed to him and the gentlemen who were with him
last evening. I told Mr. Kaufman that as they were
addressed to me as President it would not be proper
that I should furnish them to be used in the House,
in any other way than by a Message. Mr. Kauf-
man said he desired to have them also, and that if
I would let him have them he would take them to
Mr. McKay, and would tell him that they were not
to be used in the House. I told Mr. Kaufman that
any member could readily procure copies by address-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 65
ing a note to the Secretaries of the Treasury and of
War, and in whose Departments they were of record.
Mr. Kaufman said he would not vote against the
veto, though he was very anxious to have the ap-
propriation for Red River.
Tuesday, 4th August, 1846. — Saw a number of
members of Congress this morning. Though it was
Cabinet day it was so near the close of the Session
of Congress that I could not with propriety refuse
to receive them.
Mr. Bancroft, the Secretary of the Navy, was the
first of the Cabinet who attended. Referring to my
conversation with him on the subject, I enquired
of him whether he had made up his mind to accept
the English Mission. He enquired of me, if he ac-
cepted, at what time I would desire him to leave for
London. I told him that Mr. McLane would prob-
ably leave London on his return by the Steamer
which will leave Liverpool on the 19th of August
or the 4th of September, and that I supposed it would
be time enough for him to sail from this country by
the Steamer of the ist of October. He then agreed
to accept it. The understanding was that he was
to remain in the Navy Department until Mr. Mc-
Lane's arrival in the U. States, when I would ap-
point him.
The Cabinet assembled at rather a later hour than
usual; all the members present. Whilst considering
some matters of inconsiderable importance, I re-
ceived information from the House of Representa-
tives that the vote on the Harbour and River Bill,
66 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [4 Aug.
the President's objections to the contrary notwith-
standing, stood yeas 95, noes 91. There not being
two-thirds in favour of the Bill it was of course re-
jected. I was informed by my Private Secretary
that the Whig members from Tennessee, except Mr.
Crozier, who had voted against the Bill on its origi-
nal passage through the House, had to-day declined
to vote. I can conceive of no reason for this, un-
less it was the apprehension on their part if they
voted consistently against the Bill there would be a
majority sustaining the veto. A number of Demo-
crats opposed to the Bill, I learn, were absent from
the House by accident. About i>^ O'Clock A. M.
[P. M.] I sent to the Senate a confidential message ^
concerning our relations with Mexico. It was con-
curred in unanimously by the Cabinet. After trans-
acting some other business the Cabinet at about 2^
O'clock adjourned.
I requested Judge Mason to remain and he did
so. I informed him that Mr. Bancroft had accepted
the English Mission & would retire from the Navy
Department some time in the month of September.
I then tendered the ofRce of Secretary of the Navy
to Judge Mason, upon Mr. Bancroft's retirement.
He expressed himself as being entirely satisfied with
his present office of Atto. Gen'l, but said he would
go into the Navy Department if I desired it, and
thought that it would advance the success of my ad-
ministration. It was understood between us that
when Mr. Bancroft retired I would appoint him
^ Richardson, Messages and Papers of the Presidents, IV, 456.
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 67
Secretary of the Navy. This was reception evening.
The usual number of persons attended.
Wednesday, j/A August, 1846. — Saw company
until 12 O'clock to-day. Many members of Con-
gress called, some of them after that hour on busi-
ness. As the Session of Congress approaches its
close, I am kept exceedingly busy in my office.
Gen'l Rob't Armstrong, special bearer of despatches,
arrived this morning from London, bringing with
him the exchange of ratifications of the Oregon
Treaty. In the course of the day I had a message ^
prepared, and transmitted it with the ratified Treaty
to Congress, and recommended the establishment of
a Territorial Government in the Oregon territory.
I transacted much business to-day, some of it of
an important character.
The Marine band played on the President's
grounds this afternoon.
Thursday, 6th August, 1846. — Company called
as usual to-day, and I saw them until 12 O'Clock.
Had a very busy day, saw many members of Con-
gress, but nothing occurred worthy of special note,
except the presentation to me by a committee of
Congress of a Bill appropriating $5,000,000 to be
paid in land scrip for the payment of claims for
French spoliations prior to 1800. I had heard much
of these claims & had given them some examination
when I was a Representative in Congress. I ex-
^ Richardson, Messages and Papers of the Presidents, IV, 456.
68 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [6 Aug.
amined the Bill and made up my mind that I ought
not to approve it. At my request the Atto. Gen'l
& [the] P. M. Gen'l agreed, as I was exceedingly
occupied & was subjected to constant interruptions
by persons calling, to give to it a further examina-
tion and prepare the draft of a message for me as-
signing my reasons for withholding my approval. I
handed to them a hasty sketch, in the form of full
notes, indicating the points of my objection to the
Bill, which I had prepared. Anticipating that the
Bill would come to me and having learned its pro-
visions, I had requested them on yesterday to aid me
in preparing a veto message. In the afternoon
Judge Mason called with my draft or notes and one
of his own. I suggested some changes and he took
them to his house promising to call on to-morrow
morning. Senator Dix, who had made a very able
speech ^ in the Senate against the Bill, called in the
evening, and knowing that he was perfectly familiar
with the subject from a recent examination, I in-
formed him of my intention to veto the Bill, and
requested him to prepare for my use a condensed
statement of the objections to it. He promised me
that he would do so.
Col. Benton, whom I had requested to call on
other business, called after night. After conversing
about other business, I informed Col. Benton that I
intended to put my veto on the French Spoliation
Bill. He expressed himself to be delighted to hear
it, and said when I returned it to the Senate he
would block it. He denounced the Bill in strong
^ Globe J 29 Cong, i Sess. App. 514.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 69
terms. He told me that he had addressed me a note
on the subject to-day, but I had not received it. I
told him if he found he had leisure to-night or on
to-morrow to furnish me a statement of his objec-
tions to the Bill, I would be obliged to him if he
would do so. He promised me to do so. Quite a"
number of other members of Congress called to-
night, & without knowing anything of my intentions
urged me to veto the French Spoliation Bill. Some
of them, and among others Mr. Chapman of Al. &
Mr. Wick of Indiana, expressed the opinion that
members of Congress had been made interested in
these claims and that the Bill had been passed by
corrupt means. I did not inform them what my in-
tentions were.
Friday, Jth August, 1846. — Saw many members
of Congress and others who called this morning.
Senator Dix called & handed to me a brief statement
of his objections to the French Spoliation [Bill] as
he had promised me to do on last evening. Judge
Mason called & I handed to him Senator Dix's state-
ment, to aid him in preparing the paper which he was
drawing up. After an absence of two or three hours
Judge Mason returned & read to me his draft. I
suggested some changes, which he made & left the
papers with me. After dinner I took all the drafts,
my own notes or draft inclusive, and resolved to pre-
pare a paper for myself. I was occupied in writing
it, subject to occasional interruptions, until 10
O'clock P. M. when I finished it.^
^ Richardson, Messages and Papers of the Presidents, IV, 466.
70 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [7 Aug.
On tuesday last, the 4th Instant, I communicated
a confidential message to the Senate in Executive
Session giving them information of the existing
state of our relations with Mexico, and of my desire
to treat with that Power. For the reasons assigned
in that message, I recommended, if the Senate ap-
proved my policy, that an appropriation might be
made by Congress to facilitate negotiations with
Mexico. The message will explain itself. On the
6th Instant the Senate in Executive Session passed
two Resolutions, with a copy of which I was fur-
nished, approving my recommendations. I learned
from several Senators that it was expected by the
Senate that I would now send in a confidential mes-
sage to both Houses asking the appropriation. I ob-
jected to this course as unnecessary, and well calcu-
lated to defeat the object I had in view altogether.
To send a confidential message to so numerous a
body as the Ho. Repts., composed as that body un-
fortunately is of so many discordant factions, and
expect my message to be kept a secret, would be as
I thought a perfect farce. No confidential message
has been made to the House for more than a dozen
years, and to do it now would excite universal curi-
osity in our own country, and ultimately give to the
proceeding greater publicity than if a public mes-
sage were at once sent in. It would, moreover, excite
the jealousy and alarm of Foreign Powers as to our
designs upon Mexico. I advised the Senators with
whom I conversed, as the Senate had approved the
object in view, to pass the appropriation through the
Senate in Legislative Session without debate, and I
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 71
had no doubt by seeing and explaining to a few lead-
ing members [of the House of Representatives] the
object of the appropriation, it would pass that House
also, without attracting much public attention. This
course I hoped would have been adopted. I learned
last evening and this morning that certain Whig Sen-
ators objected to the appropriation unless I first took
the responsibility of recommending it. To this I
answered that I had done so in my confidential mes-
sage. In order to remove all pretext, however, to re-
sist the appropriation on such grounds, I saw Mr.
Buchanan, and upon consultation with him it was
agreed that he as Secretary of State should ad-
dress a letter (a mode not unusual in the intercourse
between the Executive Departments & Congress) to
the Chairman of the committee of finance in the
Senate [and] of Ways and Means in the Ho. Repts.,
asking the appropriation. He prepared such a let-
ter ^ accordingly in which he spoke in my name, &
took it to the Capitol to deliver it in person. About
9 O'clock P. M. he returned and informed me that
both Houses were in Session, and that before he had
delivered the letters he had read them to Col. Ben-
ton, who still advised that I should send a confiden-
tial message to the Ho. Repts., and that he, Mr.
Buchanan, had returned to consult me, before he de-
livered the letters to Mr. Lewis & Mr. McKay. I
told him I would not send a confidential message to
the House, that I had done my duty, and that if the
factious spirit prevailing in Congress prevented
them from making the appropriation, I regret[ted]
^ Moore, Buchanan, VII, 52.
72 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [8 Aug.
it on account of the country, but that the responsi-
bility would not be mine. Mr, Buchanan returned
to the Senate & as he afterwards informed me de-
livered the two letters which he had written (being
copies of each other) to Mr. Lewis & Mr. McKay,
to be used if they thought proper in Legislative Ses-
sion in the two Houses.
Saturday, 8th August, 1846. — This was the day
for the regular meeting of the Cabinet. All the
members of the Cabinet called at different periods
of the day, but were not together at any one time.
Congress had passed a Resolution to adjourn on mon-
day next, the loth Inst, and the members of the
Cabinet had business with members of Congress, and
were looking after bills pending before the two
Houses connected with their respective Departments.
Early in the day I was informed by a Senator that
the Whig Senators, although committed by their
votes in Executive Session to vote for the appropria-
tion which I had asked in my confidential message to
the Senate to enable me to make peace with Mexico,
were now interposing objections & saying that they
would not do so unless the President took the re-
sponsibility of the measure. While they made this
objection as a pretext for withholding the appropria-
tion, they knew well that I had taken the responsi-
bility, ist, in a confidential message, and 2nd, in the
official letter addressed on yesterday by the Secre-
tary of State to the Chairman of the Committee of
Finance in the Senate, and the Committee of Ways
& Means in the Ho. Repts. I was now informed
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 73
that in Executive Session last night they had taken
the ground that the President must communicate a
message in confidence to the House as well as the
Senate, before they would vote the money. I sent
for Mr. Buchanan & informed him of what I had
learned, & told him that to send a confidential mes-
sage to the House, a thing which had not been done
for near 20 years, would be a farce, that it would
be to give it more publicity & more consequence than
to send it in in Legislative Session. I expressed the
opinion that a message should be immediately pre-
pared & sent in to both Houses in open Session ask-
ing for the appropriation, and thus place the re-
sponsibility of refusing it, if it was not made, on
Congress. Mr. Buchanan agreed to this suggestion.
A message ^ was accordingly prepared & sent in to
both Houses before 12 O'Clock to-day.
At about 7 O'clock P. M. I went to the Capitol
as is usual on the last nights of the Session. This is
done for the convenience of Congress, and especially
of the Committee of enrolled bills. I occupied the
Vice President's Room. All my Cabinet were with
me. A large number of enrolled bills were pre-
sented to me, which I examined, approved, and
signed. I sent to the Senate a veto message on the
French Spoliation bill. I sent in also a number of
nominations, some of them to fill new offices created
by laws which I had just approved. About lo^^
O'clock I learned that the Ho. Repts. had adjourned
for the day. The Senate adjourned about ii}^
O'clock P. M.
^ Richardson, Messages and Papers of the Presidents, IV, 459.
74 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [9 Aug.
Great confusion, I learned, prevailed in both
Houses during this night's Session and what is deeply
to be regretted several members as I was informed
were much excited by drink. Among others I was
informed that Senators Webster & Barrow ^ were
quite drunk, so much so that the latter gentleman,
it was said, was noisy and troublesome. From all I
learned it was a most disreputable scene. At 113^
O'clock I left the Capitol. Both Houses adjourned
to meet, the House at 8, & the Senate at 8>4 A. M.
on Monday next.
Mr. Charles J. IngersoU called & requested, for
reasons which I have no time to state, that his name
should not be sent to the Senate as Minister to Rus-
sia. He would probably have been rejected by the
Senate.
Sunday, gth August, 1846. — In consequence of
my constant confinement to my office and great labour
for many days past, I was much enfeebled and pros-
trated to-day. I did not attend church and remained
quietly at home and rested. Mrs. Polk & Miss
Rucker attended church.
Monday, lOth August, 1846. — The House of
Representatives having adjourned to meet at 8 and
the Senate at 8>4 O'Clock this morning, I attended at
the Capitol as is usual at the close of a Session of
Congress. I was at the Capitol with my Cabinet a
few minutes after 8 O'Clock. I approved and
^ Alexander Barrow, Senator from Louisiana.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 7S
signed a number of enrolled bills which were pre-
sented to me.
The two Houses had by a joint Resolution agreed
to adjourn for the Session at 12 O'Clock. At pre-
cisely that hour by the House Clock the Speaker
adjourned the House. The House clock was 10 min-
utes faster than the Senate clock, and the Senate re-
mained in Session that much longer, when the Pres-
ident of the Senate adjourned that body also. Many
important measures were lost by this summary and
prompt adjournment of the two Houses. Several
Bills which had passed both Houses were not signed
by the Speakers. The appropriation for $2,000,000,
to enable the President to negotiate a peace with
Mexico came up in the Senate some 30 or 40 min-
utes before 12 O'Clock. Senator Davis ^ of Mass.
took the floor and spoke until the time had expired,
so as to defeat action on it. The history of this
measure is given up to that time in this diary of
the 7th & 8th Inst.
Late in the evening of Saturday, the 8th, I learned
that after an excited debate in the House a bill
passed that body, but with a mischievous & foolish
amendment^ to the effect that no territory which
might be acquired by treaty from Mexico should
ever be a slave-holding country. What connection
slavery had with making peace with Mexico it is
difficult to conceive. This amendment was voted on
to the Bill by the opponents of the measure, and
^ John Davis, 1787-1854, Senator from Massachusetts, 1835-
1841, and 1845-1853.
^The Wilmot Proviso, Globe, 29 Cong, i Sess. 1214-1218.
76 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo Aug.
when voted on, the original friends of the Bill voted
against it, but it was passed by the Whigs and North-
ern Democrats, who had been opposed to making
the appropriation. In this form it had gone to the
Senate. Had there been time, there is but little
doubt the Senate would have struck out the slavery
proviso & that the House would have concurred.
Senator Davis however resorted to the disreputable
expedient of speaking against time & thus prevented
the Senate from acting upon it, until the hour of ad-
journment arrived.
My object in asking this appropriation has not
been fully stated in this diary. It was this. Mex-
ico is indebted to the U. S. in a large sum, which
she is unable to pay. There is also a disputed ques-
tion of boundary. The two countries are now en-
gaged in War. When peace is made the only in-
demnity which the U. S. can have will be a cession
of territory. The U. S. desires to acquire Upper
California, New Mexico, and perhaps some territory
South of these Provinces. For a suitable cession
of territory we are willing to assume the debts to our
own citizens & to pay an additional consideration.
My information induces the belief that Mexico
would be willing to settle the difficulty in this man-
ner. No Government, however, it is believed, is
strong enough to make a treaty ceding territory and
long maintain power unless they could receive, at the
time of making the treaty, money enough to support
the army. Whatever party can keep the army in
its support can hold the power. The present Gov-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY ^^
ernment is without any regular revenue, & without
a prompt payment as a part of the consideration
would not venture to make a Treaty. Having no
doubt that I could effect an adjustment of the pend-
ing war if I had the command of $2,000,000, I felt
it to be my duty to ask such an appropriation. This
I did in the first instance by a confidential communi-
cation made to the Senate in Executive Session on
the 4th Instant. The Senate on the 6th Inst, passed
resolutions approving my views and declaring that
it was proper to make the appropriation asked. The
Resolution approving my views passed the Senate
by a vote of ayes 43 to nays 2, and the Resolution
approving the appropriation by yeas 33 to nays 19
(see Executive Journal, from which the Injunction
of Secrecy was this day removed). With a full
knowledge of all this Senator Davis had recourse to
the desperate resort of speaking against time, to de-
feat a measure which he had been unable to defeat
by his vote. Had the appropriation been passed I
am confident I should have made an honorable peace
by which we should have acquired California, & such
other territory as we desired, before the end of Octo-
ber. Should the war be now protracted, the respon-
sibility will fall more heavily upon the head of Sena-
tor Davis than upon any other man, and he will
deserve the execrations of the country. I desired
when I made the communication to the Senate in
Executive Session, to consult that body in secret Ses-
sion, to the end that the appropriation, if approved,
should have been passed quietly and without attract-
78 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [u Aug.
ing public attention, or exciting the jealousy of the
Powers of Europe; but contrary to my wishes great
publicity has been given to it by Congress.
After the two Houses had adjourned I learned
that a Resolution had passed each House & that a
committee in each had been appointed [to] wait on
the President and inform him that the two Houses
were ready to adjourn, but the Committees did not
wait on me.
A few minutes after the adjournment I left the
Capitol and returned to the President's House.
Shortly after I reached my office Senator Atchison
of Mo., President Pro Tempore of the Senate, in
company with Senator Chalmers of Miss, called and
stated to me that a committee had been appointed to
wait on me by both Houses, but that it was done in
the Senate so short a time before the hour of 12
O'clock fixed for the adjournment that they had not
come together and waited on me until the two Houses
had adjourned. Mr. Atchison said he made this ex-
planation and had called expressly to make it, fear-
ing that I might take up an impression that as
presiding officer of the Senate he had neglected his
duty. On leaving, Mr. Atchison remarked that he
had been excited on the Oregon question, but that
he was my personal and political friend.
During the afternoon a number of members of
Congress of both Houses called to take leave of me
before leaving the City.
Tuesday, nth August, 1846. — Before the meet-
ing of the Cabinet to-day, several members of Con-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 79
gress called on me to take leave before their departure
for their homes.
The Cabinet met at 11 O'Clock; all the members
present. A question arose as to the power of the
President to appoint a Deputy Post master at Buf-
falo in New York. The facts are these. During
the last recess of the Senate I appointed Philip Dor-
sheimer, whose commission under the Constitution
would expire at the end of the next Session of the
Senate. During the Session of the Senate, I nomi-
nated W. L. Smith to be Dep'y P. M. in place of
Mr. Dorsheimer & the Senate rejected the nomina-
tion. I then nominated Henry K. Smith for the
same office, & the Senate adjourned without acting
on the nomination. The question now was whether,
as Mr. Dorsheimer's commission had expired with
the adjournment of the Senate and the office was now-
vacant, it was such a vacancy as could be filled by a
temporary appointment by the President. The Atto.
Gen'l was clearly of opinion that the President pos-
sessed the power. Mr. Buchanan was of a different
opinion. A long discussion ensued, during which
all the members of the Cabinet except Mr. Buchanan
expressed the opinion that the President possessed
the power and ought to exercise it. The Atto. Gen'l
cited the opinions of Atto. Gen'ls Wirt & Taney in
similar cases in favour of the existence of the power.
Though I did not myself doubt the power, it was
yet an important question, and without expressing
my opinion I required the Atto. Gen'l to give me his
opinion in writing before I decided. No other busi-
8o JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [12 Aug.
ness of importance was transacted and the Cabinet
adjourned.
This was the regular evening for receiving com-
pany. A few gentlemen and ladies called, the com-
pany being much smaller than usual.
Wednesday, 12th August, 1846. — At 6 O'Clock
this morning my Private Secretary, J. Knox Walker,
left on a visit to Tennessee. He expects to be ab-
sent five or six weeks. The Post Master Gen'l left
at the same time for Tennessee to visit his family,
and expects to be absent about the same length of
time.
Several members of Congress who still remain in
the City called this morning. I occupied the day
in disposing of a mass of business which had ac-
cumulated on my table. The Marine-band played on
the President's grounds this afternoon. Feeling no
particular interest in the performance, I took a ride
on horseback in company with the Secretary of the
Navy.
Thursday, IJth August, 1846. — I saw no com-
pany to-day until 12 O'Clock, but devoted the morn-
ing to the business on my table. At 12 O'Clock I
opened my office & received company for an hour.
During that time a crowd of persons called seeking
small offices. I had one answer for all, which was,
" there are no vacancies." I am resolved not to be
annoyed as I have been by this class of persons.
About I O'clock, the Cherokee Chiefs, including
those of the Ross-party, the Treaty-party, and the
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 81
Old Settlers, called in a body to take leave of me,
being about to depart for their home in the West.
They had to-day given their assent to the amend-
ments made by the Senate to the Treaty lately con-
cluded with them. They had settled all the diffi-
culties between themselves, and between the nation
and the Government of the U. States. John Ross,
the Principal Chief, addressed me & said they were
all now in harmony and were satisfied. I told them
that I congratulated them upon the happy adjust-
ment of the difficulties which had distracted and di-
vided them for more than a dozen years, and that I
was rejoiced to learn that they were returning to
their nation to live as brothers and friends. They
were all in a pleasant humour and well satisfied.
This event in my administration I consider an im-
portant one. From the commencement of Gen'l
Jackson's administration down [to] the present time
this tribe (which is probably the most enlightened
on the Continent) has been torn by factions arrayed
in deadly hostility against each other. Ross's party
resisted with great stubbornness the wise policy of
Gen'l Jackson to remove all the Indian Tribes re-
siding within the States to the West of the Missis-
sippi. This party constituted the majority of the
Nation, and since their removal West have pursued
and persecuted the Treaty party, so called because
they made the Treaty of 1835.^ Many murders have
been committed among them, and even this year sev-
^ U. S. Stat, at Large, VII, 478. For an account of the
troubles between the Creek Indians and the State of Georgia,
which led to this treaty, see Schouler, History of the United
82 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [14 Aug.
eral of the Treaty party and old settlers have been
slain by the Ross party. The Treaty which I have
caused to be made recently has put an end to all
these troubles, and I hope they may hereafter be a
united and happy people.
About 2 O'clock P. M. some 20 or 30 young men
from Philadelphia called to pay their respects.
They were plain looking young men. They in-
formed me that they had come round in a vessel, and
were on a tour of pleasure and recreation.
Friday, 14th August, 1846. — I saw no company
until 12 O'clock to-day. Saw company for an hour
commencing at 12 O'Clock, when I again closed my
office. I cleared my table or nearly so, of the busi-
ness upon it. In the course of the day I examined
several applications for pardon, and the proceedings
of Courts Martial, Naval and Military, and decided
upon them.
This was the regular evening for receiving com-
pany. Not more than a dozen persons called.
Nothing worthy of special notice occurred to-day.
Saturday, isth August, 1846.— The Cabinet
held a regular meeting to-day; all the members pres-
ent except the Post Master Gen'I, who is absent from
the City on a visit to his family in Tennessee. The
Secretary of War laid before me the finding of the
Court of Enquiry lately convened at Fortress Mon-
roe in the case of Gen'I Gaines. The Court find
States, III, 233. For the treaty of August 6, 1846, which Polk
concluded with the Creeks, see U. S. Stat, at Large, IX, 871.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 83
Gen'l Gaines guilty of violating orders and acting
illegally in several instances, in ordering out volun-
teers in Louisiana and other Southern States and
mustering them into service; but the Court recom-
mend, in consideration of his long service & the sup-
posed patriotism & purity of his motives, that no
further proceedings be had in his case. It is evi-
dent from the finding of the Court, that they have
laboured to give a construction to General Gaines's
[conduct] most favourable to him, and if possible to
excuse him. Gen'l Gaines is now a very old man
& although guilty of acts which cannot be justified,
and for the commission of which, if brought before
a general Court Martial he would without doubt be
punished, yet I determined in lenity to him to yield
to the recommendation of the Court of Enquiry and
take no further proceedings against him. His late
conduct at New Orleans greatly embarrassed the
Government & will cost the Treasury many hundreds
of thousands of dollars. He is now however re-
moved from that command & cannot repeat the mis-
chief. The whole cabinet concurred in my views
and decision. I directed the Secretary of War to
issue a general order based upon the finding of the
Court, condemning his conduct, but for the reasons
stated by the Court discharging him from further
prosecution. I directed further that he be ordered
to the North and stationed there, so as to put it out
of his power further to embarrass the Government
during the pendency of the Mexican War. Some
other matters connected with the War & the move-
ments of our army were considered. I directed the
84 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [15 Aug.
Secretary of War to have the New York Regiment,
under the command of Col. Stephenson/ despatched
for California at the earliest practicable period.
At 4 O'clock P. M. I took a ride with the Secre-
tary of the Navy in his carriage to the country. We
drove to the residence of Francis P. Blair, Esqr.
(late Editor of the Globe) some six miles from
Washington. His residence is in Maryland. It was
the second time I had been without the District of
Columbia since I came to Washington in February,
1845. In May, 1845, I visited Mount Vernon and
viewed the tomb of Washington. Mr. Blair was
alone, his family being absent from home. He re-
ceived me very cordially and was very friendly.
During our stay of an hour, he took occasion to re-
mark to me that I had been eminently successful in
my administration, and that he approved all my lead-
ing measures. In speaking of the tariff he said he
entirely approved the act which had recently passed,
and had been more anxious for its passage than some
of the members of Congress who had voted for it.
He said he had argued with Senator Haywood, and
had endeavoured to convince him that he ought to
vote for it; & that he had dissuaded him from re-
signing his seat in the Senate. I told him I thought
Mr. Haywood had committed a great error, that I
thought him an honest and pure man, but one of
peculiar organization of mind. In this he agreed
with me, and said he had a kink in his head. We
returned to Washington about dark.
^ Colonel Jonathan D. Stevenson of the Seventh New York
Volunteers.
1846] JAMES K. FOLK'S DIARY 85
Sunday, l6th August, 1846.— I attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day in company with Mrs.
Polk, her niece, Miss Rucker, and Mrs. J. Knox
Walker.
Monday, lyth August, 1846.— I gave orders to
my porter this morning to admit no company until 12
O'clock. Having occasion how^ever before that
hour to pass from my office to that of my Private
Secretary, I encountered a number of persons in the
passage in waiting to see me, and was compelled to
see them or seem to act rudely. They were shown
in. As I anticipated they were on the patriotic busi-
ness of seeking office. Some of them were my old
customers who had made frequent calls upon me for
more than a year past. I concluded that it was use-
less to be annoyed by them any longer, and I was
more than usually stern and summary with them. I
said no! this morning with a free will and a good
grace. The truth is that the persons who called to-
day, with but few exceptions were a set of loafers
without merit. They had been frequently here be-
fore, and I find as long as I treat them civilly I shall
never get clear of them.
At i2>^ O'clock P. M. the Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Plenipotentiary from Chili was pre-
sented to me by the Secretary of State. He pre-
sented to me his letter of credence & made me an
address to which I responded. He was accompanied
by his Secretary of Legation. I received him in the
parlour below stairs.
86 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i8 Aug.
1 devoted the remainder of the day to business in
my office.
My relation, Maj'r Ezekiel P. McNeal of Boli-
var, Tennessee, his wife & daughter and Miss Wil-
liams, the sister of his wife, called. Maj'r McNeal
is an especial friend as well as a relation, and upon
the invitation of Mrs. Polk and myself, he & his
family took apartments in the Presidential Mansion
during their stay in Washington.
Tuesday, l8th August, 1846. — This was the reg-
ular day of the meeting of the Cabinet. Senators
Bagby & Benton & Mr. Rhett of the Ho. Repts. and
a few other persons called before the regular hour of
the meeting of the Cabinet. The Cabinet met at the
usual hour, all the members present except the P.
M. Gen'l, who is on a visit to his family in Tennessee.
The Secretary of War read the order which he had
prepared based on the proceedings of the Court of
Enquiry in the case of Gen'l E. P. Gaines. Some
alterations were made in the paper, and as amended
I approved it.
Mr. Buchanan communicated a letter to me which
he had received from a person known to him to be
respectable written at New Orleans, representing
that great extravagance & abuses existed in the pur-
chase of horses in the Quarter-Master's Department
at N. Orleans. I endorsed the letter, referring it
to the Secretary of War, and directed an immediate
inquiry to be made into the charges preferred against
Col. Hunt, the Quarter master at New Orleans. I
endorsed further on the letter, that from representa-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 87
tions made from various sources I apprehended that
there was a want of economy and great abuses in the
Quarter master's Department, and that I feared the
wasteful extravagance of the Florida War was be-
ing repeated in the existing war with Mexico. I
directed the Secretary of War to investigate the
matter.
Several other subjects of no great importance
were considered. The Cabinet adjourned about 2
O'clock P. M.
Wednesday, igth August, 1846. — This morning
at 9 O'clock I went on board the Steamer Osceola
with Mrs. Polk, her niece, Miss Rucker, and two
servants to take an excursion to Fortress Monroe.
We took with us two servants. Maj'r E. P. McNeal,
his wife, daughter, and Miss Williams, the sister of
Mrs. McNeal, all of Tennessee, who had been a day
or two at the Presidential Mansion, accompanied us.
My intention is to take an excursion of only three or
four days. It is my first absence from Washington
since I have been President, except a single day in
the spring of 1845 when I visited Mount Vernon,
going and returning on the same day. My long con-
finement to my office has considerably enfeebled me
& rendered some recreation necessary. After having
looked into the laws passed by the last Session of
Congress and given the necessary directions for
carrying them into effect, no public interest will, I
think, sufifer by my absence for a few [days]. All
the members of the Cabinet agreed to remain at their
posts, except Judge Mason, the Atto. Gen'l, who at
88 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [19 Aug.
my request accompanied me. Mr. Buchanan prom-
ised me to call at my office daily and examine my
letters, and if anything should occur requiring my
personal attention I am to be immediately advised of
it. The mail passes daily from Washington to For-
tress Monroe, so that in less than 24 hours I can hear
from Washington. In the absence of my Private
Secretary from Washington, I left William V. Voor-
hies, Esqr., a confidential and trust-worthy young
man, in charge of my office. At 9 O'Clock I went
on board the Osceola. I found the Secretaries of
the Treasury, War, and Navy at the Steam-boat.
They accompanied me as far as Alexandria & re-
turned to Washington. The passage down the po-
tomac was a pleasant one. Before dark the wind
rose, and after passing the mouth of the Potomac we
found the Bay very rough. Always [almost] every-
one on board was afifected by sea-sickness. Mrs.
Polk, Miss Rucker, & Mrs. McNeal were very sick.
I was not myself sick. Between i & 2 O'Clock
A. M. of Aug't 20th we reached the Fortress, where
I was received by Col. Derusser ^ and conducted to
the Quarters which had been provided for me. Col.
Totten - of the Engineer corps with his wife accom-
panied me. Col. Totten had written to Col. Derus-
ser to provide quarters for me. Col. Totten was very
polite and attentive and caused every necessary pro-
vision to be made for our comfort. My quarters
^ Rene Edward De Russ}-, Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers
1 838-1 863; in charge of the defences of the Pacific coast during
the Civil War.
- Joseph Gilbert Totten, Chief of Engineers.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 89
were in a comfortable cottage with four rooms near
the sea-beach, being the same heretofore occupied by
President Tyler when visiting this Post.
Thursday, 20th August, 1846. — This morning I
had many calls. Col. Walker, the Commandant of
the Post, called with all the officers now at the Post.
He caused a salute to be fired, and the fine band at-
tached to the Post played. During the day a num-
ber of persons, ladies & gentlemen, called. Many
strangers are here, it being a place of resort for fash-
ionable person[s] & those seeking health.
Commodore Wilkinson,^ who is in command of
the Navy Yard at Portsmouth, came up to-day and
invited me to visit the Navy Yard, tendering to me
a Government Steamer to carry myself and my party
to the Yard at such time as might suit my conven-
ience. He had with him several Naval officers. I
agreed to go down on to-morrow. In the course of
the afternoon a number of visitors at the post called.
About sun-set, I walked around the fortress and ex-
amined the defences.^ I was accompanied by Col.
Derusser, Col. Totten, Col. Walker, Gen'l Brooke,
and several junior officers. The area enclosed
within the walls is about 70 acres, and the officers
^ Jesse Wilkinson, Commandant of the Norfolk navy-yard
1843-1847.
-The construction of Fortress Monroe, begun in 1819, cost
the government two and one half million dollars. It was de-
signed to constitute the most extensive military work in America;
an area of nearly seventy acres was enclosed by granite walls
thirty-five feet in thickness, mounting in 1861 four hundred heavy
guns.
90 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [21 Aug.
who accompanied me informed me that the works
were constructed for 345 Guns, and more might be
used if necessary, and that it would require 5,000
men to man the fortress, besides an infantry force
which, in the event of war, it would be prudent to
have within the walls. Most of the guns are
mounted, and are all 32 pounders, except a few Bax-
ion guns which are 64 pounders. The distance
around the fortress and the exterior wall is one & a
third miles. There are no soldiers now here except
less than a single company, and between one & two
hundred raw recruits. All the soldiers who were
usually stationed here have been ordered to the Rio
Grande and are now with General Taylor's army.
After night the Band of Music attached to the
Post played in front of my quarters. Several hun-
dred persons assembled with the band. All were
orderly and remained without the enclosure. A few
friends came in.
Friday, 21st August, 1846. — About 9 O'Clock
A. M. an officer commanding a small Government
Steamer called the Engineer, reported to me that he
had come up from the Navy Yard to carry myself
and party to that place, according to the arrangement
made with Commodore Wilkinson on yesterday.
About 9^ O'clock our party went on board. We
were accompanied by Col. Totten & lady. Col. De-
russer, Gen'l Brooke, and several other officers, mili-
tary and naval. The Hon. Mr. Hopkins of Va. &
the Hon. Mr. Brokenborough of Florida, members
of the Ho. Repts. of the late Session of Congress,
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 91
Mrs. Brokenborough, and several other persons ac-
companied me. About five miles from the post we
met a Steam-boat from Norfolk having on board a
committee of gentlemen from that City, who had
been deputed to invite me to visit Norfolk. They
were taken on board and returned with us. They
were introduced to me and made known the object
of their visit. I informed them that my absence
from the seat of Government would be a very short
one, intending to return on monday next; that after
close confinement to my office for nearly eighteen
months I had sought only a few days of recreation;
that I was not on a tour of ceremony, and desired no
parade or public attentions. I informed them that
I had promised Commodore Wilkinson on yester-
day to visit the Navy Yard and public armed vessels
to-day, and intended nothing more. I begged them
under the circumstances to excuse me from visiting
Norfolk. They insisted that I should appoint some
other day (Saturday or monday next) to visit Nor-
folk, which I declined to do. As, however, Norfolk
was immediately opposite to the Navy Yard, I
agreed, upon their earnest importunity, to pass over
to Norfolk to-day for half an hour in an informal
manner. On reaching the Navy Yard a salute was
fired from the ship Pennsylvania & a Revenue Cut-
ter, which were lying at anchor near the Yard. Our
party were conducted on board the Pennsylvania
where I was received by Commodore Wilkinson and
the Naval officers attached to this station. After ex-
amining this fine ship, we were conducted on shore,
examined the dry-dock, and were conducted from
92 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [21 Aug.
there on foot through a broiling sun (it being one of
the hottest days of the season) to Commodore Wil-
kinson's House where refreshments were furnished.
After spending three-fourths of an hour at the Com-
modore's House, we went on foot through the sun
several hundred yards to the Steamer which had
brought us down, and were taken to Norfolk. On
landing a salute was fired from a battery of brass
field pieces. I was met on board by the Mayor and
civil authorities of Norfolk, who welcomed me to
their City. Some companies of military were pa-
raded on the wharf. A large crowd of citizens were
also assembled. On going on shore the ladies of our
party (Mrs. Polk & others) were provided with car-
riages. At the request of the Mayor I walked with
him on foot, surrounded by a dense crowd of citizens
and preceded by the military, to the Hotel at which
I was to be received. The Hotel was situated more
than a fourth of a mile from the wharf where we
landed. On reaching it, I found a large crowd as-
sembled. I was conducted into a parlour, where I
was introduced to several hundred persons. I was
almost overcome with excessive heat, for it was one
of the hottest days I ever felt, but still I made an
effort and endured the fatigue, though it was any-
thing but pleasant to me. The ladies had been con-
ducted to a different apartment in the Hotel. After
remaining in the Hotel an hour or more, constantly
on my feet receiving and shaking hands with persons
who were introduced to me, I spoke of returning to
the steamer, when to my surprise I learned that a
dinner was being prepared. This I regretted as my
1846J JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 93
fatigue and suffering from heat were great. There
was, however, no alternative but to remain or to act
with seeming rudeness. I was kept an hour and a
half longer when I was shown to the dinner-table.
About an hundred persons sat down. Through my
friend, the Hon. Mr. Hopkins, and the Hon. Mr.
Loyall I prevailed on the Mayor & those who con-
ducted the entertainment to have no toasts or cere-
mony at the table. It was an excellent dinner to
have been gotten up upon such short notice.
After dinner I was conducted on foot, accom-
panied by the military and a crowd of citizens, from
the Hotel to the Steam-boat, where the Mayor and
civil authorities took leave of me. Another salute
was fired on shore as the Steamer left. My reception
at the Navy yard and at Norfolk was highly gratify-
ing to me. Every mark of respect was paid to me.
I found myself on returning to Fortress Monroe in
the evening, greatly fatigued & perfectly wet with
perspiration. We reached the Fortress about sun-
set, and I was heartily rejoiced to get into my quar-
ters where I could have some repose and rest.
Judge Mason (the Atto. Gen'l) who accompanied
me from Washington, was taken with an attack of
gout in the feet last evening and was unable to ac-
company me on the excursion to day. He was con-
fined to his bed all day. This he regretted very
much.
After night the band of music attached to the Post
assembled and played in front of the cottage which
I occupied. There was also an exhibition of fire-
works, or sending up of rockets near my cottage.
94 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [22 Aug.
The ladies crossed the street to Col. Derusser's House
to have a fairer view of the fire-works. I was so
much fatigued that I retired but could not rest. I
spent a restless and uncomfortable [night], sleeping
but little.
Saturday, 22nd August, 1846. — I rose this morn-
ing feeling quite unwell. My stomach was deranged
& I felt a soreness & aching in my limbs. This was
caused by the excessive fatigue of yesterday which
was one of the hottest days I ever felt. I felt so
unwell that I declined receiving many visitors who
called, and requested a friend to let it be known that
I was too unwell to see company to-day.
About 10 O'clock a Steamer from Norfolk arrived
with Gov. Tazewell,^ the Hon. Geo. Loyall, his wife
and two daughters and some other persons on board,
who had come expressly to see me. I invited Mr.
Loyall on yesterday to visit me, and to bring Gov.
Tazewell with him, and of course however unwell
I was I felt bound to receive this party. They
called at my cottage. I was much gratified to meet
them and especially Gov. Tazewell. I had not seen
Gov. T. since he retired from the Senate of the U. S.
in March, 1833. I had lived several winters in the
same boarding house at Washington with him, had
become intimate with him, and admired him for his
talents and as a man of great purity and uprightness
of character. I then thought him, and still do, one
of the greatest men I have ever known. I was glad
^ Litdeton Waller Tazewell of Virginia, 1790-1860, Gov-
ernor of Virginia in 1834.
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 95
to see him and made an effort to entertain him,
though I was compelled occasionally to retire to my
room & rest. Gov. Tazewell, Mr. Loyall, his wife,
& two daughters dined with us at our cottage.
Judge Mason, who was better of his attack of gout,
also dined with us. I was able to sit at the table
but eat nothing.
After dinner Gov. Tazewell talked freely of pub-
lic affairs, and among other things took occasion to
remark that it had been my fortune to meet more
great and important questions in the early period
of my administration than any of my predecessors
had done. He said that my administration had suc-
cessfully disposed of and settled more important pub-
lic subjects of great interest in the first eighteen
months of my term than any of my predecessors had
ever done in eight years. A part of these questions,
he said, I had brought forward myself, while others
may have come up for action by accident, or without
any immediate and direct agency of mine. He enu-
merated the great questions which had been settled,
viz., the Annexation of Texas; the Settlement of the
Oregon question by a definitive Treaty, a question
which preceding administrations had been endeav-
ouring to settle for more than thirty years; the re-
duction of the tariff; the establishment of the Con-
stitutional Treasury; and the establishment of [the]
Ware-house system; any one of which he remarked
would have been sufficient to mark the success of any
one administration if nothing else had been done dur-
ing its term. He spoke in terms of approbation also
of my two vetoes on the Harbour and River Bill,
96 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [23 Aug.
and the French Spoliation Bill. He spoke in strong
terms against the latter Bill, said that he was per-
fectly familiar with the origin of the claims, and that
they had no foundation in equity, none whatever. I
was surprised but of course gratified to hear these
opinions from such a man as Gov. Tazewell, and ex-
pressed my gratification to him. He approved, too,
my action in relation to Mexico. In the course of
the conversation he remarked that upon the Oregon
question he thought that both Mr. Pakenham and
Mr. Buchanan had conducted the negotiation bun-
glingly, but did not specify in what particulars and
I did not ask him.
Gov. Tazewell, Mr. Loyall, & his family returned
to Norfolk in the evening, and I retired to my cham-
bers.
After night the band of music attached to the Post
again played in front of the cottage which I occu-
pied. Mrs. Polk received company this evening.
My relation, Maj'r McNeal of Bolivar, Tennessee,
his wife and daughter, & Miss Williams, his sister-
in-law, who accompanied us from Washington, oc-
cupied a part of the cottage with me, & formed a
part of my family. They accompanied us to the
Navy Yard and to Norfolk on yesterday. We found
them very pleasant and agreeable.
Sunday, 2Jrd August, 1846. — Continuing to be
quite indisposed to-day, I did not feel able to attend
church. I saw no company, but remained quietly in
my Cottage all day. Many visitors at the Hotel, I
was informed, desired to call, but I declined to re-
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 97
ceive them. Col. Totten & his wife, and Col. De-
russer called after night to see how I was. Two or
three other persons called in the course of the day,
who were probably not apprised that I had declined
to see company. I told Col. Totten to-night that I
was resolved to return to Washington by the Steamer
Osceola which would leave here on to-morrow
evening.
Monday, 24th August, 1846. — I was much im-
proved in my health this morning. I remained at
my cottage and saw company during the day. Many
persons called. About 4 O'Clock P. M. I walked
with Judge Mason to the Hotel, where I was in-
troduce[d] to many persons, ladies and gentlemen,
who had visited this point and were spending some
time here for their health or for recreation. It is a
fine Hotel and a pleasant place for a summer recre-
ation. After spending an hour at the Hotel I re-
turned to my cottage. Among other persons who
visited me to-day was Gen'l E. P. Gaines of the U. S.
Army. It was his first visit since my arrival. He
delivered to me a letter which he had written to me
(which I v/ill place on my files) assigning as a reason
why he had not called sooner that he had not learned
the result of the proceedings of a Court of Enquiry
recently convened at this point upon his late conduct
in calling volunteers into service without authority
of law, but that having learned that the case had
been disposed of before T had left Washington he had
called. He also in his letter asked to be informed on
the subject and for orders. In the afternoon when I
98 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [24 Aug.
visited the Hotel I again met him, and took occasion
to inform him that the proceedings of the Court of
Enquiry in his case had been acted on and disposed
of by me before I left Washington, and that he would
be duly informed of the result through the War
Department. I informed him that I had supposed
he would have been officially informed of the result
before this time, and that I did not know the cause
of the delay. I had resolved on yesterday to return
to Washington this afternoon in the Steamer Osceola.
The wind blew briskly nearly the whole day, and
the sea was rough, & as the hour of her departure
approached, which was six O'Clock P. M., several
Naval officers and others advised me not to go on
board of her, as they were sure that, although she
was a safe boat, she was yet small and that I would
have a very uncomfortable passage in her. They
represented also that if the wind should continue she
would be compelled to put into some harbour and
there remain until the wind fell. These representa-
tions induced me to abandon the idea of taking
passage in her. At 9 O'Clock I took passage in the
Steamer Augusta for Richmond in company with
Mrs. Polk and the party who came down with me on
Wednesday last, calculating that I would reach
Washington by this route on to-morrow in the after-
noon. Col. Derusser, Col. Walker, and other offi-
cers accompanied me to the Boat and remained until
she left. When I left my cottage the Band of Music
attached [to the Post came to] my cottage [and]
were playing in front of it. As I passed them on
my way to the Boat I thanked them for their polite-
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 99
ness in playing every evening in front of my cottage
except on the Sabbath since 1 had been at the Post.
My visit to Fortress Monroe was a very pleasant
one. I received all the attention I expected and
more than I desired. My indisposition on Saturday
and Sunday prevented me from enjoying the visit
as much as I should otherwise have done.
Tuesday, 2Sth August, 1846. — Having left For-
tress Monroe at 9 O'Clock P. M. on yesterday on our
return to Washington via Richmond on board the
Steamer Augusta, this morning at 4 O'Clock we were
landed a few miles from Petersburg, where we took
the Rail Road to Richmond. It rained during the
morning. We breakfasted at Richmond. No one
was expecting me. After I rose from breakfast I
was introduced by Judge Mason to a few persons
who had accidentally learned that I was at the Hotel
and had come through the Rain to see me. They
invited me to spend the day in Richmond, but I de-
clined and informed them that it was only in con-
sequence of the roughness of the Bay on last evening
that I was returning to Washington by that route.
We remained at Richmond only during breakfast,
and proceeded by the Rail Road via Fredericksburg
to Washington where we arrived between 4 & 5
O'clock P. M. About 20 miles after leaving Rich-
mond my relation, Maj'r E. P. McNeal, his wife &
daughter, & his sister-in-law. Miss Williams, sepe-
rated from us, and proceeded on their way to their
home in Tennessee via the White Sulphur Springs in
Va., where they contemplated spending a few days.
100 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [26 Aug.
Judge Mason & Col. Totten & his wife, who had left
Washington with me, returned with me. Judge Ma-
son had entirely recovered from his indisposition.
We found the family at the White House well. Mr.
Bancroft & Mr. Buchanan called in the course of the
evening & I learned from them that nothing requir-
ing my personal attention had occurred during my
absence.
Judge Grier, whom I appointed an Associate Jus-
tice of the Supreme Court of the U. S., called with
Mr. Buchanan to pay his respects to me.
Wednesday, 26th August, 1846. — I opened my
office for the reception of visitors and persons on
business immediately after breakfast this morning.
Among the first of my visitors were two of my old
customers on the patriotic business of seeking office.
One of them had been annoying me since March,
1845. ^^s name is Grindale[?] from Accomac
Cty, Va. I gave them very prompt & flat de-
nials, & I hope for the future I may not be troubled
by them.
The Secretaries of the Treasury and War called
this morning to pay their respects after my return
from Fortress Monroe. Mr. Wm. V. Voorhies,
whom I had left in charge of my office, gave me a full
account of all that had occurred during my absence.
My letters, which he had opened by my direction,
were all properly endorsed indicating their contents,
and every thing as far as I have learned has gone on
well in my absence.
Twelve months ago this day, a very important con-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY loi
versation took place in Cabinet between myself and
Mr. Buchanan on the Oregon question. This con-
versation was of so important a character, that I
deemed it proper on the same evening to reduce the
substance of it to writing for the purpose of retain-
ing it more distinctly in my memory. This I did
on seperate sheets. It was this circumstance which
first suggested to me the idea, if not the necessity, of
keeping a journal or diary of events and transactions
which might occur during my Presidency. I re-
solved to do so & accordingly procured a blank book
for that purpose on the next day, in which I have
every day since noted whatever occurred that I
deemed of interest. Sometimes I have found my-
self so much engaged with my public duties, as to
be able to make [only] a very condensed and imper-
fect statement of events and incidents which oc-
curred, and to [be forced to] omit others altogether
which I would have been pleased to have noted.
The statement of the events which occur[r]ed on the
26th of Aug't, 1845, were never transcribed into the
bound book, but will be found on the seperate sheets
on which they were written preceding Book No. i.
Thursday, 27th August, 1846. — I did not see
company until 12 O'Clock to-day. After that hour
and until dinner at 4 O'Clock P. M. I was occupied
with company, many of them office seekers. I had no
offices to give and made short work with them by
saying no!
Nothing of much interest occurred to-day. I dis-
posed of several small matters of business.
102 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [28 Aug.
I addressed a letter in the evening to the Hon.
Franklin Pierce of N. Hampshire, tendering to him
the office of Attorney Gen'l of the U. S. A vacancy
of that office will occur by the transfer of the Hon.
John Y. Mason to the office of Secretary of the Navy,
which latter office will be vacated by the appoint-
ment of Mr. Bancroft as Minister to England.
These changes will probably take place during the
month of September next.
Friday, 28th August, 1846. — I resolved this
morning not to be annoyed by company, and kept my
doors closed until after i O'Clock P. M. Several of
the subordinate officers of the Government called on
official business, whom I saw. Col. Benton of the
Senate called. I had a long conversation with him
in relation to the Mexican War and the proper man-
ner of conducting it. I had resolved before Col.
Benton called to tender to him the Mission to
France, and had written a note to him requesting
him to call, but had not sent it before he called. I
informed him that I had written the note, which was
still on my table. I then informed him that Mr.
King, the U. S. Minister to France, would return
during the next or the succeeding month, and I in-
vited him to accept that mission. He thanked me,
and said it would not suit him to accept it. He told
me that Gen'l Jackson and Mr. Van Buren had both
tendered him a mission abroad, but that he had de-
clined both offers as he had never desired to engage
in the Foreign service. He seemed to be gratified
& again thanked me for the ofifer.
i«461 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 103
During the time Col. Benton was in my office my
porter announced to me that a Foreign minister had
called and was in the parlour below desiring to see
me. Mr. Buchanan had informed me on yesterday
that the charge d'affaires of Sweden recently ap-
pointed would call to-day at 12 O'Clock to be pre-
sented to me. I excused myself to Col. Benton, and
leaving him in my office went below and received
the charge d'affaires from Sweden. Mr. Swift
[Trist], the chief clerk of the Department of State,
accompanied him and presented him to me. I re-
ceived him and for some time he stood looking at me
without uttering a word, until he must have felt em-
barrassed, and I know I did. He at length ad-
dressed Mr. Trist, the ch. Clk., in French, which be-
ing communicated to me, I responded in English.
The Minister was either alarmed or much embar-
rassed. Take it altogether it was a very awkward
interview. Mr. Trist appeared to be quite as much
embarrassed as the Minister. I returned to my office
and after some further conversation with Col. Ben-
ton he retired.
This was reception evening. But few persons
called; among them the Secretaries of State & Navy
& the charge d'affaires from Sweden.
Saturday, 2Qth August, 1846. — The Cabinet
held a regular meeting to-day; all the members pres-
ent, except the P. M. Gen'l, who is absent on a visit to
his family in Tennessee. Several matters of minor
importance were considered, when I brought up the
subject of the Mexican War. I expressed to the Sec-
104
JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [29 Aug
retary of War my dissatisfaction at the delay which
had occurred in the departure of Col. Stephenson's
Regiment in New York, destined for California. I
directed the Secretary to have them embarked and
sent ofif with the least possible delay. I next brought
up the plan of conducting the War, in the event
peace should not be made before the setting in of the
healthy season (say in November next) and sug-
gested the importance of taking Vera Cruz by a
land force to be landed out of reach of the fortress,
who could invest the town of Vera Cruz in the rear
and by cooperating with the blockading squadron
by sea, and submitted whether by these means the
Fortress of San juan de Ulloa would not be com-
pelled to surrender for want of supplies in a very
few days. I suggested further that if this could
be done the fortress after surrendering could be dis-
mantled and blown up, and that our troops on land
might then march on the City of Mexico. These
suggestions met with a favourable consideration in
the Cabinet. The propriety of taking Tampico
was also considered, and the impression of all was
that it should be done if peace was not made before
the healthy season set in. Whilst considering these
questions, Mr. Bancroft for the first time informed
me that he had received letters giving information
on some of these points from Commodore Conner
commanding the Gulf Squadron. I requested him
to go to his Department & bring them to the Cab-
inet. He did so, and on reading them they were
found to be very important. Mr. Bancroft had not
communicated them to me or to the Cabinet, be-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 105
cause as I suppose he had not appreciated the great
importance of the information which they conveyed.
I directed a letter to be addressed to Commodore
Conner, based upon the information which he had
given in these letters, asking him to be more specific
upon certain points, and also to give information
upon certain other points. The Cabinet adjourned
about zY^ O'clock P. M.
Sunday, 30th August, 1846. — Attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day, accompanied by Mrs.
Polk and her niece, Miss Rucker, and Wm.
Voorhies, Esqr., who is acting as my Private Secre-
tary during the absence of J. Knox Walker, who is
at present on a visit to Tennessee.
Monday, 31st August, 1846. — I did not open my
office to-day for the reception of visitors generally
until 12 O'clock. At that hour my doors were
opened and quite a number of persons appeared, a
majority of whom were upon the patriotic business
of seeking office. I was ready to exclaim, will the
pressure for office never cease. I have been in office
within a few days of eighteen months, a long ses-
sion of Congress has intervened, and still the pres-
sure for office and place is unabated. I have long
since come to the conclusion that the most impor-
tunate seekers for place are not the most worthy. I
have much less difficulty in giving a positive & flat
refusal to those who personally importune and an-
noy me for office than I had when I first came into
office. To-day I said no! with a free will and a good
io6 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [31 Aug.
grace to several persons who have been annoying
me for months, and to whom I had no time given any
encouragement. I was resolved to get clear of
them, and to do so I have been compelled to be al-
most rude to them.
About dark this evening Mr. Buchanan brought
over and left with me for my examination the draft
of a letter which he had prepared, and which he
proposed to address to Morris Longstreth, Esqr., of
Pennsylvania, on the subject of the tarifif. Mr. Bu-
chanan desired my opinion whether he should ad-
dress such a letter or not, expressing his own opin-
ion to be that after so much time had elapsed since
the passage of the tariff [act] of 1846, that it would
do no good & might do harm to write such a letter.
After reading it I am free to say that my opinion is
that such a letter would do great harm. The views ^
presented in the proposed letter I cannot approve.
He expresses his opposition to the tariff of 1842 and
so far I agree with him. His opposition to the
tariff of 1846, and his remarks and reasoning on the
subject I do not approve. A reasonable modifica-
tion on coal & iron I would assent to, to conciliate
Pennsylvania, though I think that 30 per cent added
to freight, insurance, & charges is sufficient incidental
protection to these or any other articles. The gen-
eral scope of Mr. Buchanan's proposed letter ad-
heres too much to the protective principle. It is a
letter of considerable length & I cannot undertake
to state its contents more at large. I will advise
^ For Buchanan's views on the tariff question at this time, see
Moore, Buchanaiij VII, 43 and 46.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 107
Mr. Buchanan not to write such a letter, as it would
put him in conflict with the declared views of the
administration on the subject, & do great harm by
keeping the tariff open for political agitation.
Mr. Bancroft, the Secretary of the Navy, I learn
is quite ill to-day, being confined to his house by a
bilious attack.
Tuesday, Ist September, 1846.— Thh was the
regular day for the meeting of the Cabinet. At the
usual hour four members of the Cabinet attended.
The Post Master Gen'l is absent on a visit to Ten-
nessee, and the Secretary of the Navy is confined to
his house by sickness. The Secretary of State re-
mained but a few minutes, remarking that unless
something important was expected to be brought be-
fore the Cabinet to-day, he would retire, as he was
much engaged in preparing to leave the City for a
few days. I followed Mr. Buchanan to the door
as he left, and informed him that I had read the
draft of his proposed [letter] on the subject of the
tariff, and that I advised him not to write such a let-
ter, as it would necessarily put him in conflict with
myself & the declared policy of my administration
on the subject of the tariff. He promptly said he
entertained the opinions expressed in the letter, but
thought himself it would be better not to send it, and
he would not do so. The other members of the Cab-
inet remained for an hour conversing in relation to
public matters, but nothing of importance was taken
up for consideration.
About 2 O'clock P. M. Mr. Buchanan returned
io8 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i Sept.
and informed me that he had just received a note
from the Secretary of the Brittish Legation (Mr.
Pakenham being at present absent on a visit to
Canada) which he read. On last evening it appears
a special messenger arrived in Washington from the
City of Mexico bearing despatches to the Brittish
Minister here. The substance of the information
brought by this messenger, as far as communicated
to Mr. Buchanan, is that Commodore Sloat, com-
manding the U. S. Squadron in the Pacific, took
Monterey on the 6th of July last and hoisted the
American flag; the same thing had been done by
another naval officer at a point South of Monterey.
Commodore Sloat had issued a Proclamation declar-
ing California to be in the possession of the U. S. &c,
a copy of which the Brittish Secretary of Legation
had submitted to Mr. Buchanan, but to be returned
to him. Mr. Buchanan read the Proclamation to
me. Further intelligence was also communicated
that Col. Fremont ^ with his men had been attacked
near St. [San] Francisco, by Castro, the Com-
mandant Gen'l of Mexico in California, and that
after a short skirmish Castro had retreated. This
important intelligence comes to us through no other
channel, and we are indebted for it to the courtesy of
the Brittish Legation.
About dark Mr. Buchanan called again & seemed
to be deeply concerned at the removal of a clerk to-
day named King, by Mr. Piper, the acting commis-
sioner of the Public Lands, and asked me if I knew
^ For an account of Fremont in California in 1846, see Garrison,
Westward Extension, 235-239.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 109
when I advised it that he felt a deep interest in
having Mr. King retained. I told him I had not
advised the removal; but Mr. Piper had informed
me that King was so negligent and inattentive to his
duties that he was of no use in the office, and that
his services were much needed. I told him further
that King was a Whig. I informed him that upon
receiving Mr. Piper's representations I had re-
marked to him that the clerks employed in the pub-
lic offices must do their duty, and that if King had
failed to do his duty he could exercise his own judg-
ment in the matter. I told Mr. Buchanan that Mr.
Piper had mentioned to me that he had understood
that he (Mr. Buchanan) took a particular interest
in King, and had when Judge Shields was Commis-
sioner caused him to be retained when Judge S.
thought he ought to have been dismissed, and that I
had told Mr. Piper that perhaps he ought to see Mr.
Buchanan before he was dismissed, but that I had
left it to Mr. Piper to act in the premises as he might
think proper. Mr. Buchanan replied that King's
wife was a Democrat and that he did not believe that
King had any politics or interfered in any way in
political matters. I told him that the ground of his
removal was his inattention to business. He then
said that he and Col. Wm. R. King ^ of Alabama
had boarded with King (the elk.) for seven years,
and that his life, when he had a severe attack of ill-
ness whilst boarding with King, had been saved by
^William Rufus King, Senator from Alabama, 1819-1844, and
1846-1852. Elected Vice-President of the United States in
1852, but died before entering upon the duties of the position.
no JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i Sept.
Mrs. King by her kind attentions to him in his ill-
ness. He said he had just been to King's house and
had left his wife and children in tears, while King
himself was lying ill of an attack of fever. Mr. Bu-
chanan said he had no relation in office at Washing-
ton, that it seemed he had no influence, & could not
keep even a poor Clerk in office. I then said to Mr.
Buchanan that as he seemed to take the matter so
much to heart, Mr. King should be restored or ap-
pointed to some other place, but upon the express
condition that he should hereafter do his duty. He
said he desired it very much & I told him it should
be done. With this he was satisfied & immediately
assumed a cheerful tone in his conversation. Mr.
Buchanan is a man of talents & is fully competent
to discharge the high duties of Secretary of State, but
it is one of his weaknesses (and perhaps all great
men have such) that he takes on & magnifies small
matters into great & undeserved importance. In
this instance I have never known any one to be seem-
ingly so much concerned or to take on more, and
with so little reason. I discovered this and although
I had no doubt King ought to be dismissed I thought
it too small a matter upon which to make a grave
issue with my Secretary of State. The truth is that
King had been dismissed some months ago by Judge
Shields, and had been restored at Mr. Buchanan's
earnest request, and Mr. Piper informed me that he
thought this circumstance induced him to think that
he was secure in his position, that he relied on Mr.
Buchanan to keep him in and was therefore indiffer-
ent to his duty or any orders that were issued to him
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY m
by the Head of the General Land office. I did not
think it necessary to inform Mr. Buchanan of this.
I agreed to restore King solely because Mr. Bu-
chanan manifested so much feeling about it, and be-
cause I was unwilling to give him pain about so
small a matter; but I told him expressly that I did so
only on the condition that King should hereafter
perform his duty faithfully. My steward (Henry
Bowman) left here this morning for New York with
funds which I had furnished him to purchase oil,
candles, and other articles needed in the President's
House.
This was reception evening and a number of per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, called, though there was
not a large crowd. Among others Mrs. Madison
was present.
Wednesday, 27id September, 1846. — Kept my
doors closed until 12 O'Clock to-day. At that hour a
number of persons called, but nothing of particular
interest occurred. I attended afterwards to the busi-
ness on my table and cleared it ofif.
I sent for the Secretary of the Treasury & Mr.
Piper, the commissioner of Public Lands, and stated
to them the very great interest which Mr. Buchanan
took in Mr. King's restoration to his clerkship (see
this diary of yesterday). They at once agreed, in
order to gratify the wishes of Mr. Buchanan and for
that reason alone, to appoint Mr. King to another
clerkship in the Land [office], but upon the express
condition that he would hereafter do his duty. I di-
rected Mr. Piper to address a letter to Mr. King in-
112 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 Sept.
forming him that he was again employed, only on
the condition that he would hereafter attend to his
duty, and perform it as other clerks did.
I sent for Mr. Buchanan and informed him of
what had been done. I told him that Mr. King's
place had been filled by the appointment of the
Rev. Mr. Matthews, the pastor of the Presbyterian
Church at Lexington, Kentucky, during the Presi-
dential canvass of 1844, who had been discharged by
that church solely for the reason that he had voted
the Democratic ticket. I told him that Gen'l Jack-
son had spoken to me before I left Tennessee, and
shortly before his death had written to me in Mr.
Matthews' behalf, that Gen'l Jackson regarded him
as a good christian who was persecuted by Mr.
Clay's friends simply because he had voted for me,
and that as Mr. Piper had appointed him in King's
place, I could not discharge him so as to enable
King to take his old place, but that another place
would be given to King, who would be taken on
trial. With this Mr. Buchanan expressed himself
as being entirely satisfied.
Mr. Buchanan left to-day at 12^ O'Clock for
Saratoga and other places in the North, where he
proposes to spend a few days and take some recre-
ation from the labours of his office.
I visited Mr. Bancroft this afternoon at his house,
and found him quite ill of a bilious attack.
Thursday, Jrd September, 1846. — Saw no com-
pany until 12 O'clock to-day. A number of per-
sons called at that hour, but I am happy to say they
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 113
were persons on visits of ceremony or old friends,
among whom was my old acquaintance Col. Andrew
A. Kincannon of Mississippi, now U. S. Marshall
of that State. What is very remarkable, not a single
office seeker made his appearance, a thing which
I believe has not happened before any day since I
have been President when I saw company.
Gen'l Edmund P. Gaines of the U. S. Army called
and paid his respects to-day. He was in a pleasant
humour & I had a pleasant interview with him. He
was on his way to take command of the Northern
Division to which he had been ordered.
Friday, 4th September, 1846. — Saw but few per-
sons to-day; kept my office closed until 12 O'Clock.
The pressure for office has been less for the last two
or three days than usual. The truth is, those who
have recently called on that business have met with
no encouragement, and I begin to have some relief
from the importunities of office-seekers.
I informed Mr. Wm. Noland, the commissioner
of Public Buildings, on yesterday that I had kept
him in his office for 18 months & in doing so had re-
sisted a great and almost a constant pressure for his
removal. I told him that this pressure proceeded not
only from citizens of Washington but from the ad-
joining districts in Maryland, and from many Mem-
bers of Congress during the late Session. I in-
formed him that for these and other considerations
I felt it to be my duty to make the change, but that
as I did not desire unnecessarily to wound his feel-
ings, he could resign to take effect on a future day
114 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [4 Sept.
between this time and the meeting of the next Ses-
sion of Congress. A final decision on the subject
was postponed on yesterday until to-day. Mr. No-
land called this morning, and insisted that though
he was once a Federalist he had been a Democrat
for many years, and that he was my friend. To the
charge that he kept none but Whigs in his employ,
which had been made by certain citizens of Wash-
ington, he replied that he retained those that he had
found in the public service when he came into office
about 12 years ago. He partly denied the charge,
but was not satisfactory on this point. I did not
deem it to be necessary to enumerate to him more
particularly than I had done on yesterday the sev-
eral reasons which existed in my mind which made
his removal proper. Although not the only reason
making the change proper, I have no doubt he is a
Whig in all his feelings, and that his patronage is
bestowed exclusively on the members of that party,
as far as he thinks he can do so with safety to himself.
I told him finally that I had made up my mind that
it was my duty to make the change, and repeated to
him what I had said on yesterday, that he could re-
sign if he chose to do so. He then presented to me
his resignation, which he had previously written to
take efifect on the — day of — . I told him in an-
swer to an enquiry from him that he could fill the
blank with the ist day of Nov. He suggested a
more distant day, for the reason that he had certain
contracts on hand with persons employed by him,
which he desired to have completed & executed be-
fore he retired. I told him I thought they could be
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 115
executed by the time named. He then filled the
blank with the ist of November & handed to me his
resignation. I told him I had no unkind feelings
towards him personally, and that if it had been
otherwise I should not have held this conversation
with him, but would have made the removal with-
out seeing him. I told him it was a painful duty,
but one w^hich I felt bound to perform.
Senator Archer of Va. called to-day on his return
from a tour to the North. I had a long conversation
with him in relation to public affairs and especially
in relation to the Mexican War. He expressed a
great desire for peace, in which I concurred with
him, if it could be obtained on honorable terms.
He expressed his regret at the loss of the two million
appropriation at the late Session of Congress, and
in connection with it said that the proviso in rela-
tion to slavery attached to the Bill on the motion of
Mr. Wilmot in the House he could never approve,
and that if such a stipulation were embraced in a
Treaty it could not be ratified, and that he himself
would vote against such a Treaty. He was willing
to acquire California if it could be done for a fair
consideration by Treaty, but beyond this seemed to
be averse to extending our territorial boundaries. I
asked him if I could obtain California what sum of
money he would think I could safely stipulate to pay
for it, to which he replied he would be willing to
pay 10 or 15 millions of dollars. I asked him if I
could not agree to pay 25 millions if it could not be
obtained for less, to which he replied he would not
stand on the amount, because, he said, if the war
ii6 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [s Sept.
continued it would cost the country 30 millions an-
nually. We had a long conversation; I gave him
the information in my possession & informed [him]
of my policy. I did this confidentially, as I felt
safe in doing, for although differing with me in poli-
tics Mr. Archer is an honorable man, and I have
been upon terms of personal friendship with him
since I first met him in Congress in December, 1825.
Among other things he spoke of a Brittish medi-
ation & of his personal intimacy with Mr. Paken-
ham, the Brittish Minister, and said if such a medi-
ation should be at any time desired with a view to
peace with Mexico, if I would inform him of it he
would come to Washington, and expressed great
confidence that he could effect it through Mr. Pak-
enham. I told him no such mediation had been of-
fered, and that I thought that no circumstances were
likely to arise to make it desirable.
Judge Douglass of Illinois called to-night on his
return from Georgia, where he had been attending
the marriage of the Hon. Mr. Ficklin of Illinois to
the daughter of Senator Colquitt of Georgia.
This was reception evening. Very few persons
called. The weather is unusually warm for the
season.
Saturday, 5/A September, 1846.— Thh was the
regular day for the meeting of the Cabinet. At the
usual hour the Secretaries of the Treasury and of
War & the Atto. Gen'l attended. The Secretary of
State and the P. M. Gen'l were absent from the City,
and the Secretary of the Navy was confined to his
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 117
house by an attack of bilious fever. Several public
matters were the subject of conversation, but none of
them were brought up for final action.
I repeated to the Secretary of War what I had sev-
eral times before said to him, that I was dissatisfied
with the long delay in the departure of the Regiment
of Volunteers under the command of Col. Stephen-
son from N. York, destined to California. Having
learned from him that the delay was occasioned by
the want of vessels in which to transport, I requested
him to send for Gen'l Jessup,^ the Quarter Master
Gen'l, that I might enquire into it. He did so, and
Gen'l Jessup called. I enquired of him the cause.
He gave no satisfactory reason, but said that orders
had been issued to the officers of his Department at
New York to engage and have the vessels ready. I
expressed to him my astonishment that it should re-
quire a month and more to do so, and said to him
that though I did not mean to censure him that I
thought there had been culpable delay on the part
of the subordinate officers charged with this duty.
I told him that many of the officers of the regular
army had, I apprehended, been serving so long in
peace that they had become gentlemen of entirely too
much leisure for a period of war, and that some of
them required to have a coal of fire put on their
backs to make them move promptly. I directed
Gen'l Jessup to order the officers charged with that
duty to have the vessels ready with the least prac-
ticable delay. I told him that the Regiment had
been mustered into service for many days, and that
^ Thomas Sydney Jesup.
ii8 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [5 Sept.
the vessels to transport them must be got ready with-
out further delay.
I asked Gen'l Jessup's opinion as a military man,
as to the proper means of transportation for Gen'l
Taylor's army as they penetrated into Mexico, re-
marking to him that I had no military experience
but that I had a strong conviction that the immense
train of baggage wagons which accompanied the
army must greatly impede its progress, if indeed it
was practicable to take them through such a country.
I asked him if in all the wars in Mexico which had
preceded the present, the baggage and munitions of
war had not been transported on mules. Gen'l Jes-
sup gave it as his decided, opinion that baggage,
wagons should be dispensed with and mules em-
ployed, and added that such had been the mode of
conducting all the wars which had occurred hereto-
fore in Mexico. I then asked of him and the Secre-
tary of War why a similar means of transportation
had not been provided in this instance. Gen'l Jessup
replied that he had received no communication from
Gen'l Taylor or the War Department on the subject,
and said if he commanded in Gen'l Taylor's place he
would take mules and not be encumbered with
wagons, that he would not take a single tent with him,
and that officers & men would cheerfully submit to
this if the commanding Gen'l set them the example.
I invited the special attention of the Secretary of War
to the subject, and desired him to see me on the sub-
ject again shortly. I find it impossible to give much
attention to the details in conducting the war, and
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 119
still it is necessary that I should give some attention
to them. There is entirely too much delay and too
much want of energy & promptness in execution on
the part of many of the subordinate officers, which
must be corrected. Gen'l Taylor, I fear, is not the
man for the command of the army. He is brave
but he does not seem to have resources or grasp of
mind enough to conduct such a campaign. In his
communications to the War Department he seems
ready to obey orders, but appears to be unwilling to
express any opinion or to take any responsibility on
himself. Though he is in the country with means of
knowledge which cannot be possessed at Washing-
ton, he makes no suggestion as to the plan of the cam-
paign, but simply obeys orders and gives no infor-
mation to aid the administration in directing his
movement. He is, I have no doubt, a good subordi-
nate officer, but from all the evidence before me I
think him unfit for the chief command. Though
this is so, I know of no one whom I can substitute in
his place. After the late battles, which were well
fought, the public opinion seems to point to him as
entitled to the command.
Judge Douglass of the Ho. Repts. from Illinois
called to-night, and I had a long and free conversa-
tion with him about public affairs.
Sunday, 6th September, 1846. — Attended the
first Presbyterian church to-day in company with
Miss Rucker and Mr. Wm. V. Voorhies, who is act-
ing as my Private Secretary in the absence of J.
120 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [7 Sept.
Knox Walker. Mrs. Polk was somewhat indisposed
and did not attend church. The weather continues
unusually warm for the season.
Monday, yth September, 1846. — This was an
unusually quiet day with me. After 12 O'Clock a
number of visitors called. Their visits were gener-
ally those of ceremony. But few office seekers called,
and such as did met with no encouragement. I dis-
posed of much business consisting of details in the
discharge of my duty. Much such business de-
volves on the President of which the public knows
nothing.
This was the day appointed by a late act ^ of
Congress for the meeting in Washington of the Re-
gents of the Smithsonian Institute. The Regents,
I learn, assembled at 12 O'Clock in a room in the
General Post Office and organized. Senator Pen-
nybacker of Va., one of the Regents, called this
morning. Vice President Dallas and the Hon.
Richard Rush, who are Regents of the Institute,
called after night & spent an hour with me. The
weather continues to be excessively hot for the sea-
son.
Tuesday, 8th September, 1846.— This was the
regular day for the meeting of the Cabinet. The
Secretaries of the Treasury & War and the Attorney
General attended at the usual hour. The Secretary
of State and the Post Master General are absent
from the City. The Secretary of the Navy is now,
^ U. S. Stat, at Large, IX, 102.
1846T JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 121
as he has been for a week past, confined to his room
by indisposition. No business of importance was
transacted. Several public subjects were considered,
and the members of the Cabinet who attended re-
tired after being together about an hour. Upon
their retirement I walked to Mr. Bancroft's House,
which is situated on the President's square, to see
how he was. Judge Mason accompanied me. I
found Mr. Bancroft walking about his house and
much better than he had been for several days. I
held a conversation with him in reference to his
contemplated mission to England, and it was agreed
that I should issue his commission to him as min-
ister on to-morrow. I informed him that I would
commission Mr. Mason at the same time as Secretary
of the Navy. I have received no answer from the
Hon. Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire, to whom
I wrote on the 27th ultimo tendering to him the
office of Attorney General. I informed Mr. Ban-
croft of this fact, but added that when Judge Mason
was appointed Secretary of the Navy and resigned
the office of Attorney General I would give him a
temporary appointment to act as Atto. Gen'l ad in-
terim until his successor in the Atto. General's [of-
fice] was appointed. All this occurred in the pres-
ence of Judge Mason, and was satisfactory both to
him and to Mr. Bancroft.
In the course of the conversation I remarked to
Mr. Bancroft that my intercourse with him during
the period he had been Secretary of the Navy had
been of a very pleasant character, and intimated to
him my desire to address a letter to that effect to
122 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [8 Sept.
him upon his retirement from the Navy Depart-
ment, which might be published if he desired it.
He said he would be gratified to have such a letter
as I might choose to address to him for his private
files, but not for publication. He thought the pub-
lication of such a letter approving his conduct of
the Navy Department might be construed by the
public as being considered necessary to sustain him.
I yielded to the suggestion. It was concluded that
a simple announcement in the Union of his appoint-
ment was best; and that it should be accompanied
with a short editorial article. I told him that when
I returned to my office I would send for Mr. Ap-
pleton,^ his chief clerk, & request him to write a
proper article (Mr Ritchie, the Editor of the Union,
was absent from the City). Mr. Bancroft said he
would save me the trouble of sending for Mr. Ap-
pleton, by sending his servant over to the Navy De-
partment. I told him to do so, and to send a message
to Mr. Appleton that I desired him to call at my
office. Mr. Bancroft said he thought he would
leave Washington in the course of ten days or two
weeks. I told him it was possible that I might ac-
company him as far as New York, as I had some
thought of relieving myself from my constant la-
bours at Washington by making a short excursion as
far North as New York. He expressed himself
highly pleased at the suggestion and said he would
be delighted to have my company.
I returned to my office in company with Judge
^ John Appleton of Maine, chief clerk of the Navy depart-
ment; charge d'affaires to Bolivia in 1848.
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 123
Mason and found Mr. Appleton at the Presidential
Mansion. 1 informed him of the article for the
Union in relation to Mr. Bancroft's appointment as
Minister to England which I desired him to pre-
pare, & requested him to submit it to Mr. Ban-
croft's inspection. He promised me to do so.
Hon. Felix G. McConnell, a Representative in
Congress from Alabama, called. He looked very
badly, and as though he had just recovered from a
fit of intoxication. He was sober, but was pale, his
countenance haggard and his system nervous. He
applied to me to borrow $100. and said he would
return it to me in ten days. Though I had no idea
that he would do so I had a sympathy for him even
in his dissipation. I had known him in his youth,
& had not the moral courage to refuse. I loaned
him $100. in gold and took his note. His hand was
so tremulous that he could scarcely write his name
to the note legibly. I think it probable that he will
never pay me. He informed me he was detained
at Washington attending to some business in the
Indian office. I supposed he had returned home at
the adjournment of Congress until he called to-day.
I doubt whether he has any business in Washington,
but fear he has been detained by dissipation.
Mr. Noland, the Commissioner of Public Build-
ings, called, as he said, at the request of the Regents
of the Smithsonian Institute, to know at what hour
on to-morrow it would suit my convenience to ac-
company them to the public grounds, with a view
to select the site for that Institution. He said they
had suggested 9 O'Clock in the morning or 6 O'Clock
124 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [9 Sept.
in the evening. I told him to inform them that I
would accompany them at such hour on to-morrow
as they might designate. He returned and informed
me that 9 O'Clock in the morning had been ap-
pointed by the Regents.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons called, and among them the Vice President of
the U. S., Senator Evans ^ of Maine, Mr. Choate ^
of Mass., Hon. R. Rush of Phila., and Hon. Mr.
Pennybacker of Va., Regents of the Smithsonian In-
stitute.
Wednesday, gth September, 1846. — At 9 O'-
clock this morning, accompanied by the Secretary
of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, & the Atto.
Gen'l, I rode out in my carriage to meet the Regents
of the Smithsonian Institute on the Public grounds
lying West of the Capitol and South of the Presi-
dent's House, with a view to locate the site of that
Institution. I met the Regents on the grounds, and
spent nearly an hour with them on foot in examin-
ing the grounds. Opinions were freely expressed.
The most elevated ground and, as I think, the most
eligible site lies between 12th & 14th Street contain-
ing about 32 acres. If more space be required
the ground West of 14th Street may be added, which
contains about 45 acres. If this be added the whole
area would contain about jy acres. Most of the
Regents expressed a preference for this location.
^George Evans, Senator from Maine 1841-1847.
^ Rufus Choate, noted for his oratorical abilit^^ He suc-
ceeded Daniel Webster as Senator from Massachusetts in 1841.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 125
Mr. W. W. Seaton, the Mayor of Washington, who
is ex officio one of the Regents, earnestly urged that
the location should be made West of 12th Street &
between that street and the Capitol grounds. This
is a lower situation than that West of it, and in no
sense, as it strikes me, so eligible. I have heard
from private sources that the property holders in the
vicinity of the Centre market were exceedingly anx-
ious for their private benefit to have the location at
the place insisted on by Mr. Seaton. I think it is
to be regretted that any citizen of Washington was
appointed a Regent. The Smithsonian Institute is
a national Institution, and should be located & con-
ducted without reference to individual or private in-
terests. The Regents have the power to select the
site, but it cannot be established without the approval
of the President & his Cabinet. The Regents re-
turned to their consultation room in the City without
coming to a decision, and I returned to the Presi-
dent's Mansion with the members of my Cabinet
who had accompanied me. The Secretary of State
& the P. M. Gen'l are absent from the City, and the
Secretary [of the Navy] though recovering from a
recent attack of bilious fever is still confined to his
house.
To-day I appointed Mr. Bancroft, the Secretary
of the Navy, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary to England. Upon receiving his
commission he sent to me his Resignation as Secre-
tary of the Navy. Upon receiving it I appointed
Mr. Mason, the Atto. Gen'l, to be Secretary of the
Navy. Upon receiving his commission he resigned
126 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [9 Sept.
the office of Attorney General of the United States.
I immediately appointed Mr. Mason Atto. Gen'l ad
interim to act until a successor in the Atto. Gen'l's
office shall be appointed. On the 27th ultimo, I
wrote to the Hon. Franklin Pierce of N. Hampshire,
tendering to him the office of attorney Gen'l but
have received no answer from him.
I was informed by N. P. Trist, Esqr., Chief
Clk. in the State Department, & at present acting
Secretary of State (during the absence of Mr. Bu-
chanan from the seat of Government) that Madison
Cutts, a clerk in the Treasury Department, had in-
formed him that he desired to make an important
communication to me, & Mr. Trist desired to know
of me if I would see him. I informed him that I
would do so. In the course of half an hour Mr.
Cutts called. He informed me that in his capacity
as clerk it had been his duty to investigate accounts
connected with the Indian service, and especially
had been his duty to examine the accounts connected
with the Chickasaw Tribe. He informed [me]
that an account had been reported by some of the
accounting officers of the Treasury for payment
amounting to $1 12,000 or thereabouts, and that it was
to-day passing the diflferent offices, and that it would
probably be paid if it was not arrested. He in-
formed me that Dr. Gwinn of Mississippi was the
agent pressing this claim and that he was now in
Washington pressing it; & that Gwinn was to re-
ceive half the amount he received. Mr. Cutts said
it was a claim improperly allowed. He said it had
been before Congress at the session of 1844-5, ^^^
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 127
was defeated at that time by Cave Johnson.* He
showed a Report of the debate at that time in a news-
paper, and a Report^ made in favour of the claim
in the Senate at the same session by Mr. Walker of
Miss., now Secretary of the Treasury. It appeared
from his statement that the accounting officers dur-
ing Mr. Tyler's administration had refused to allow
it, that the claimants had applied to Congress and
failed to succeed; that a long session of Congress
had since intervened and Congress had done noth-
ing on the subject, and that now the decision made
during Mr. Tyler's administration was about to be
reversed. Mr. Cutts said he gave me this infor-
mation as a matter of public duty, but begged me
not to expose his name. I told him I would not do
so. My suspicions were excited by this communica-
tion that all was not right, and as the claim was
connected with the Indian service I immediately
sent for the Secretary of War. He came to my of-
fice in a few minutes, when I told him the informa-
tion which I had received, when he told me that he
had this morning had an interview and discussion
on the subject with Dr. Gwinn & had refused to
sign a requisition for the money. He said he had
done so without going into the examination of the
claim, upon the ground that there was no fund out
of which it could be paid. I asked him how such
a claim could have passed the accounting officers of
the Treasury? He said he did not know. I then
sent for Mr. Paris, the and Comptroller, who came
^ Globe, 28 Cong. 2 Sess. 394.
^ S. Doc. 49, 28 Cong. 2 Sess. II.
128 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo Sept.
over. I stated the case to him and the Secretary of
War's decision. He said he was greatly relieved,
that he had been exceedingly pressed about the claim
for two [ ?], and had not finally signed the ad-
justment of it as made out and signed by the 2nd
Auditor, but had written a letter and sent it with
the papers to the Commissioner of Indian afifairs.
He alluded delicately to the opinion of the Secretary
of the Treasury that the claim ought to be paid, as
the cause of his embarrassment in acting upon it.
He concluded by repeating that he was much re-
lieved by the decision of the Secretary of War not
to pay it. It was clear that Judge Paris thought it
wrong to pay it. This is a singular transaction, and
it may be necessary to investigate it further here-
after. Judge Paris said the money could not be
paid without the requisition, if one was drawn,
passing again through his office. I told him not to
sufifer it to be paid, and that if it was further pressed
by Dr. Gwinn or any one else, the whole matter must
be fully and thoroughly investigated.
Vice President Dallas called to see me to-night
and spent an hour or more with me.
Thursday, lOth September, 1846. — The Hon.
John Y. Mason entered this morning upon the duties
of the office of Secretary of the Navy, to which I ap-
pointed him on yesterday in place of Mr. Bancroft
resigned, the latter having been appointed Minister
to England.
I transacted business with officers of the Govern-
ment who called as usual this morning. The Sec-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 129
retary of War, who called on other business, re-
marked to me that he had since yesterday examined
the claim of Dr. Wm. M. Gwinn upon the Chicka-
saw Indian fund, and found it to be a much worse
case than he had supposed it was on yesterday. (See
this diary of yesterday.)
I opened my office as usual for the reception of
company at 12 O'Clock. Quite a number of per-
sons called, and among them a female beggar who
was genteelly dressed & who represented that she
resided at Newbern, N. C, & that she had borrowed
money [to] bear her expenses & come to Washing-
ton expressly to get money from me to support her-
self and educate her two children. She brought no
letters and I did not learn her name. She was in
appearance between 40 & 50 years of age. She is
either a very simple person or unworthy. I did not
consider it charity to give her anything. I have
many calls for money, but this was a remarkable
case and therefore I note it.
N. P. Trist, Esqr., Acting Secretary of State dur-
ing the temporary absence of Mr. Buchanan from
the seat of Government, called this afternoon and
informed me that Mr. Pakenham, the Brittish Min-
ister, had called on him at the Department of State
to-day and read to him two dispatches which he had
received from his Government (one of them dated
Aug't 1 8th, 1846) directing him to ascertain whether
the mediation of England would be accepted by the
U. States with a view to term.inate the existing war
between the U. States and Mexico, and in the event
such mediation would be accepted to offer the same.
130 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo Sept.
He informed me that Mr. Pakenham informed him
that he would call on to-morrow at 12 or i O'Clock
to receive an answer. I informed Mr. Trist that the
mediation would not be accepted, and proceeded to
assign to him the reasons why it could not be. For
greater certainty, however, I requested Mr. Trist to
call on to-morrow at 9 O'Clock A. M. and I would
at that time furnish him in writing the answer which
he should make to Mr. Pakenham when he called.
About dark this evening I learned from Mr. Voor-
hies, who is acting as my Private Secretary during
the absence of J. Knox Walker, that Hon. Felix G.
McConnell, a Representative in Congress from the
State of Alabama, had committed suicide this after-
noon at the St. Charles Hotel where he boarded.
On tuesday last Mr. McConnell called on me and
I loaned him $100. (see this diary of that day). I
learn that but a short time before the horrid deed
was committed he was in the bar-room of the St.
Charles Hotel, handling gold pieces & stating that
he had received them from me, that he had loaned
$35. of them to the bar-keeper, that shortly after-
wards he had attempted to write something, but
what I have not learned, but had not written much
when he said he would go to his room. In the
course of the morning I learn he went into the City
and paid a hack-man a small amount which he owed
him. He had locked his room door, and when found
he was stretched out on his back with his hands ex-
tended weltering in his blood. He had three
wounds in the abdomen and his throat was cut. A
hawk-bill knife was found near him. A jury of
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 131
inquest was held and found a verdict that he had
destroyed himself. It was a melancholy instance of
the effects of intemperance. Mr. McConnell when
a youth resided at Fayetteville in my Congressional
District. Shortly after he grew up to manhood he
was at my instance appointed Post Master of that
town. He was a true democrat & a sincere friend
of mine. His family in Tennessee are highly re-
spectable and quite numerous. The information as
to the manner and particulars of his death I learned
from Mr. Voorhies, who reported it to me as he
had heard it in the Streets. Mr. McConnel re-
moved from Tennessee to Alabama some years ago,
and I learn has left a wife & three or four chil-
dren.
I wrote down to-night the substance of the an-
swer which Mr. Trist was to give to Mr. Pakenham
when he called on to-morrow, in relation to the
proposed mediation of England with a view to ad-
just the existing difficulties between the U. S. &
Mexico.
Friday, nth September, 1 846. — On reflection I
considered the proposed mediation of Great Brittain
between the U. S. & Mexico, with a view to effect an
honorable peace between them, of sufficient conse-
quence to consult the Cabinet in reference to it.
Although my own mind was made up to reject the
proffered mediation, I considered it respectful to
inform the Cabinet of it. I desired, too, to ascertain
what their views upon the subject were. I accord-
ingly before breakfast this morning addressed notes
132 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [n Sept.
to each member of the Cabinet who are now in the
City to meet me at 9 O'Clock this morning. I in-
vited Mr. Bancroft, late Secretary of the Navy but
now Minister to England, to attend also. The Sec-
retary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, and
Mr. Bancroft attended. Mr. Mason, the Secretary
of the Navy, had gone to the country last evening
and did not return in time to attend the meeting. I
took the opinion of the three gentlemen present,
all of whom were opposed to accepting the proflfered
mediation. Mr. Trist was present. I then read to
them what I proposed to instruct Mr. Trist to say
to Mr. Pakenham when he called to-day. It was
as follows, viz.:
" I have communicated to the President the sub-
stance of the conversation which occurred in our in-
terview on yesterday, and have been instructed by
him to say that he duly appreciates the friendly
spirit by which the Brittish Cabinet are actuated in
signifying their willingness to tender the mediation
of Great Brittain with a view to terminate the ex-
isting war between the United States and Mexico.
He is, however, of opinion that the formal accept-
ance by the United States of the mediation of a
Foreign Power might rather tend to protract the
War than to facilitate an adjustment. He is sin-
cerely desirous to conclude a peace with Mexico
upon terms just & honorable to both nations, and
for that purpose on the 27th of July last he directed
an overture to be made to Mexico to reopen negotia-
tions. To that overture no answer has as yet been
received. While, therefore, he would deem it un-
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 133
necessary & inexpedient to accept the formal media-
tion of a Foreign Power, he would regard with
favour any influence which the good offices of Great
Brittain or any other Power might exert with the
Authorities of Mexico to dispose them to accept the
overture which has been made by the United States
to enter upon negotiations with a view to an equi-
table adjustment of the existing differences between
the two countries and the restoration of a perma-
nent peace."
Upon reading this paper the members of the Cabi-
net present and Mr. Bancroft approved it unani-
mously. Mr. Trist was directed to communicate its
substance wholly to Mr. Pakenham. Mr. Trist
made a copy of it & took it with him.
I was notified by the Clerk of the House of Rep-
resentatives last evening of the death of the Hon.
Felix G. McConnell of Alabama, and that his fu-
neral would take place at 12 O'Clock to-day. He
invited me as is usual in such cases to attend the
funeral. At 11^ O'Clock when I was about leav-
ing my office to do so, my porter informed me that
the Hon. Louis McLane, late U. S. Minister to
London, accompanied by Mrs. McLane, had called
& were in the parlour below. I met them in the
parlour, and after remaining a few minutes with
them I made my apology and asked them to remain
with Mrs. Polk until I could attend the funeral &
return. I met Judge Mason, the Secretary of the
Navy, in the parlour with them. Judge Mason took
a seat in my carriage & accompanied me to the St.
Charles Hotel, where the body of Mr. McConnell
134 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [n Sept.
was, and where appropriate funeral ceremonies were
performed by the Rev. Mr. Slicer of the Methodist
church. After the services were over we joined the
procession of carriages as far as the Capitol and re-
turned. On our return we called at the lodgings of
Senator Bagby of Alabama, who is confined to his
bed by an attack of bilious fever. We saw Mr.
Bagby in his chamber.
On returning to the President's mansion I found
Mr. & Mrs. McLane with Mrs. Polk as I had left
them. Mr. McLane and myself retired to my office.
I had a long conversation with him in relation to
his mission and public affairs in this country and
in Europe. He had not received my letter writ-
ten to him early in August (see letter Book) in-
forming him of Mr. Buchanan's final decision to re-
main in the Cabinet, and not to go on the Bench
of the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr.
McLane expressed himself as perfectly satisfied with
my course on the subject. He said he was my
friend and was induced to accept my tender of the
office of Secretary of State in the event of Mr. Bu-
chanan's retirement from it, which in my letter of
the 22nd of June last I had invited him to accept,
because he was desirous of serving me and my ad-
ministration. I inferred from what he said that he
was not satisfied with Mr. Buchanan, not because
he had not resigned, but because he thought Mr.
Buchanan had desired that Col. King, U. S. Min-
ister at Paris, should succeed him as Secretary of
State, and finding that he could not do so, had de-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 13S
termined to retain his place in the Cabinet. I told
Mr. McLane that I thought he was probably mis-
taken in this opinion, and that other reasons had in-
fluenced him in his decision. Among these reasons
I mentioned the uncertain State of the Senate near
the close of the late Session, rendering it uncertain
whether I had a majority in that body on any nomi-
nation. I told him I thought Mr. Buchanan would
have been confirmed if he had been nominated as a
Judge of the Supreme Court of the U. States, though
from all I had learned he would have been violently
opposed. I did not know that this circumstance had
any influence with Mr. Buchanan in making his de-
cision to remain in the Cabinet, but my impression
was it had. Mr. McLane inclined to adhere to
the opinion which he had expressed, and gave as
reasons for it the fact that a short time before he
had left London Mr. King had visited him and had
inquired of him (Mr. McLane) if he was to go
into the Department of State, to which he had re-
plied that there was no vacancy; that Mr. King had
then said that he himself had been urged to accept
the office of Secretary of State. I told Mr. Mc-
Lane that so far as .1 was concerned there was not
the slightest foundation for such a statement; that
I had not written to Mr. King on any subject since
I had been President, and had never thought of in-
viting him to take charge of the Department of
State. I did not say so to Mr. McLane, but as Mr.
Buchanan is very intimate with Mr. King and in
the habit of corresponding with him, I think It prob-
136 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [n Sept.
able that without consulting me on the subject and
without my knowledge he had written to Mr. King
suggesting it.
In the course of the long conversation which I
held with Mr. McLane I called his attention to a
passage in his answer ^ to the address of the Cham-
ber of Commerce of the City of N. York, made on
his arrival in that City a few days ago, and to the
comments upon it in the National Intelligencer of
this morning. He said at once that the construction
placed upon his language by the Intelligencer was
a false one. He said that what he meant to convey,
when he said in that paragraph that in the part he
bore in the Oregon negotiation he was carrying out
the views of his Government & the President's
wishes, was that though my opinion upon the ab-
stract question of title was in favour of our right
to 54° 40' that yet for the reasons assigned in my
message to Congress I had in July, '45, offered to
compromise on 49°, and that his instructions were
to promote an adjustment on that parallel, and that
in doing this he was carrying out the views of the
Government and my wishes. I told him I was my-
self satisfied on reading the paragraph that such must
have been his meaning, for that none other would
have been correct, but I Said to him that he would
perceive that it would be subject to be misrepre-
sented as it had been by the Intelligencer. I told
him that the impression attempted to be made by
^ McLane's address, given September 7, 1846, was published
in The New York Herald September 8, and in the National In-
telligencer September 11, 1846.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 137
the Intelligencer was, that I had held one doctrine
in my message to Congress, and another in my pri-
vate intercourse with him, which he knew was not
true. I told him that in all my private letters to
him, press copies of which I had "kept, I had held
the same doctrine that I had in my messages to Con-
gress and before the country. He replied that he
knew that was so, and said that he would cause the
misrepresentation of the Intelligencer to be corrected
by the Baltimore papers on his return to that City.
He said he would see his son Robert & have a para-
graph inserted in one of the Baltimore papers cor-
recting the error. Mr. & Mrs. McLane remained
and took a family dinner with me. On leaving he
gave me strong assurances of his personal and politi-
cal friendship. My interview with him was an in-
teresting and a pleasant one.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, called.
Saturday, 12th September, 1846. — This was the
regular day for the meeting of the Cabinet. The
Secretaries of the Treasury, War, & Navy attended at
the usual hour. The Secretary of State and the P.
M. Gen'l are absent from the City, and the office of
Attorney Gen'l, since Judge Mason's appointment
as Secretary of the Navy on the 9th Instant, has not
been filled. A full conversation occurred in rela-
tion to the Mexican War and the manner of conduct-
ing it. Some other business was transacted, and the
Cabinet retired about i O'Clock P. M.
Senator Breese of Illinois called to-night. He
138 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [13 Sept.
had returned from his residence in Illinois to which
he had gone after the adjournment of the late Ses-
sion of Congress, to attend the meeting of the Re-
gents of the Smithsonian Institute, of whom he is
one. He was not notified of his appointment by the
Vice President until after he had reached home.
The Board of Regents adjourned before his arrival
in this City.
Sunday, IJth September, 1 846. — Attended the
first Presbyterian church to-day in company with
Mrs. Polk and her niece. Miss Rucker.
I received by to-day's mail a letter from the Hon.
Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire, declining to
accept the office of Attorney General of the United
States, which I had tendered to him by my letter of
the 27th ultimo.
Monday, 14th September, 1846. — Was much en-
gaged in disposing of the business on my table until
12 O'clock to-day. Opened my office at that hour.
Quite a number of persons called, some seeking of-
fice, others begging money, and others to pay their
respects. I told the office seekers I had no vacan-
cies to fill, and such as wanted money that I had
none to give, unless in cases of charity or when it
was a christian duty to relieve the wants of the needy.
To one old man I directed Mr. Voorhies to give
something.
Gen'l Robert Armstrong, U. S. consul at Liver-
pool, who had been on a visit to his family in Ten-
nessee, called to-day. He had his son, Josiah N.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY
139
Armstrong, and his youngest daughter (Henrietta
Rachel) with him. I invited him during his stay
in Washington to take rooms in the President's
House with his daughter, & he agreed to do so.
I received to-night a letter from Rob't McLane
of Baltimore (son [of] Hon. Louis McLane, late
U. S. Minister to England) enclosing the Balti-
more Republican Argus, containing an article re-
futing the false impression attempted to be made by
the National Intelligencer of Friday last in rela-
tion to a paragraph in Mr. Louis McLane's late
address to the Chamber of Commerce in New York
upon the subject of the Oregon negotiation. (See
this diary of Friday, nth Instant.)
Tuesday, ISth September, 1846.— The Cabinet
held a Regular Meeting to-day; present the Secretary
of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, and the Secre-
tary of the Navy; the Secretary of State and the
P. M. General being still absent from the City, and
the OfHce of Attorney General being vacant.
The Secretary of War read despatches which he
had received from the army in Mexico. The man-
ner of prosecuting the War was discussed. Great
embarrassments exist in directing the movements of
our forces, for want of reliable information of the
topography of the country, the character of the roads,
the supplies which can probably be drawn from the
country, and the facilities or obstructions which may
exist in prosecuting the campaign into the interior
of the country. Gen'l Taylor though in the coun-
try gives but little information on these points. He
140 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i6 Sept.
seems to act as a Regular Soldier, whose only duty
it is to obey orders. He does not seem to possess
the resources & grasp of mind suited to the re-
sponsibilities of his position. He seems disposed
to avoid all responsibility of making any suggestions
or giving any opinions. Some other public sub-
jects were considered and the Cabinet retired about
I O'clock P. M.
This was reception evening. A few persons
called.
Gen'l Armstrong & his son, whom I had invited
to take rooms in the President's House, declined to
do so, preferring to remain at the Hotel. Miss
Armstrong is a part of our family during the stay of
her father in Washington.
Wednesday, Idth September, 1846. — Nothing
worthy of note occurred to-day. I was in my office
as usual an hour before breakfast and throughout the
day, taking my daily walk on rising in the morning
and about sun-set. I opened my office as usual
at about 12 O'Clock. A number of persons
called, some of whom were seeking office, and one
(a female) begging money, but these are such
common occurrences that they are scarcely worthy
of remark.
My nephew, Marshall T. Polk, who had been
several weeks absent on a visit to his mother in N.
Carolina, returned to-day. He will resume his
studies at the Georgetown College on to-morrow.
The Session of the College commenced on yester-
day.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 141
Thursday, lyth September, 1S46.— I was occu-
pied as usual this morning in disposing of the busi-
ness on my table until 12 O'Clock, when I opened
my office for the reception of visitors. But a few
persons called and there was no importunity for
office.
My nephew, Marshall T. Polk, who returned
from a visit to his mother in N. Carolina on yester-
day, was taken with a chill last night, and I thought
it prudent that he should remain with me to-day.
If he should have no return of his chill he will go
to the Georgetownrcollege on to-morrow. Mr. Ban-
croft called and informed me that he would leave
Washington on Saturday next, and embark for Eng-
land in the Steamer of the 8th of October. He ex-
pressed a desire that Mr. Boyd might be retained as
his Secretary of Legation for the present, saying that
if after he became acquainted with him he desired
a change to be made he would make it known to me.
Friday, l8th September, 1 846. — The Secretary
of War called this morning on business, and while
in my office Judge Mason (the acting attorney Gen-
eral) called to state some difficulties which existed
in his mind in placing a construction on the Con-
stitutional Treasury law of the last Session of Con-
gress. The question of construction had been
referred to him by the Secretary of War or of the
Treasury or both, upon the following point, viz.:
Whether a disbursing officer having drawn money
from the Treasury for disbursement can legally de-
posite the same with the Treasurer or Assistant
142 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i8 Sept.
Treasurer, and draw checks upon the same to be
paid in gold or silver and pass such checks to the
public creditor in payment. As this was an impor-
tant question affecting the operations of the Treas-
ury I sent for the Secretary of the Treasury,
who called and the subject was fully discussed.
Mr. Mason stated the question and the difficulty in
his own mind in coming to a satisfactory decision.
The Secretary of the Treasury was of opinion that
a disbursing officer might deposite his funds with
the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer and draw
checks on the funds thus deposited to his credit to
be met by gold & silver and make payment in that
mode. The Secretary of War expressed no distinct
opinion, but my impression from what he said is
that he agreed with the Secretary of the Treasury
in his construction of the law. Judge Mason said
he had not examined the law as critically as he de-
sired to do; but that he would give it further con-
sideration and be prepared to make his decision on
monday next. I expressed no opinion, not desiring
in any way to influence the Attorney General in the
decision to which he might come. I only remark
that if the construction insisted on by the Secretary
of the Treasury be not admissible, it will be almost
impossible for the disbursing officers to pack the
Specie for the army and Navy to distant and widely
seperated points so as to pay it out. Whatever the
inconvenience or embarrassment may be, the law
must be construed according to its meaning as this
is to be collected from its language.
Mr. & Mrs. Bancroft took a family dinner with
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 143
me to-day. Mr. Bancroft expects to leave Wash-
ington on to-morrow afternoon for Boston, and ex-
pects to sail on his mission to England by the
Steamer of the 8th proximo.
My nephew, Marshall T. Polk, returned to
Georgetown College to-day.
This was reception evening. Mrs. Madison and
two or three dozen other persons, ladies & gentle-
men, called.
Saturday, igth September, 1846. — This was the
regular day for the meeting of the Cabinet. The
Secretaries of the Treasury, of War, and of the Navy,
attended at the usual hour; the Secretary of State
and the P. M. Gen'l being still absent from the City,
and the office of Attorney Gen'l being vacant, in
consequence of the transfer of Mr. Mason to the
Navy Department in place of Mr. Bancroft, ap-
pointed Minister to England. Mr. Bancroft being
about to depart this afternoon for Boston preparatory
to sailing on his mission, spent an hour with the
Cabinet. The utmost harmony and good feeling
prevails between Mr. Bancroft and the Cabinet as
far as I know. He took his leave and all seemed to
regret that he would no longer constitute a part of
the Executive council.
The Cabinet were engaged in considering various
details connected with the operations of the army in
Mexico, and also as to the manner of executing the
Constitutional Treasury act passed at the last Ses-
sion of Congress. The Cabinet adjourned, and be-
tween 2 & 3 O'clock Mr. Bancroft returned, and
144 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [19 Sept.
I had a free conversation of an hour with him on
the subject of his mission, and the State of political
parties in the U. States, and particularly in the
State of New York, where the Democracy seemed
to be torn and distracted by factions. Mr. Ban-
croft informed me that he would stop a short time
in the City of New York and would probably spend
a few hours at Kinderhook and Albany on his way
to Boston, and would w^ite to me what he ascer-
tained to be the true state of things and of feeling
towards the administration among the leading men
whom he might see.
Mr. & Mrs. Bancroft, I learn, left in the evening
cars for Baltimore.
About dark this evening the Secretary of the Navy
and the Secretary of War called. Mr. Mason in-
formed me that he had received a despatch from
Commodore Conner off Vera Cruz, transmitting the
answer ^ of the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Af-
fairs to the overture made by the Secretary of State
on the 27th of July last, proposing to re-open nego-
tiations with a view to conclude a peace just and
honorable to both countries. Mr. Trist, ch. Clk. of
the State Dep't, and during the Temporary ab-
sence of Mr. Buchanan the acting Secretary of State,
came in to deliver to me some despatches received
by the last Steamer. The answer from the Mexican
Government was in the Spanish language. Mr.
Trist read it, translating it into English. It is in
substance a postponement of any definitive decision
^ Moore, Buchanan, VII, 82. For Buchanan's overture of
July 27, ibid, 40.
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY i4S
until the meeting of a new Congress in Mexico on
the 6th of December next, to whom the overture will
be submitted for their decision. I directed Mr.
Trist to prepare a written translation and furnish
it to me to-night or early on to-morrow. I then
stated to the Secretary of War & of the Navy, that
our overture for peace having been in eflfect de-
clined, my strong impression was that the character
of the war which we were waging in Mexico should
be in some respects changed. For the purpose of
conciliating the Mexican people in the Northern &
Eastern Provinces, we had heretofore deemed it to
be our policy to pay liberally for the supplies drawn
from the country for the support of the army. This
was rather a helping than an injury to them & my
opinion now was, seeing that their Government re-
fused to negotiate for peace, to quarter upon the
enemy by laying contributions upon them, or seizing
the necessary supplies for the army without paying
for them, making proper discriminations in favour of
such Mexicans as were ascertained to be friendly to
the U. States. In these opinions they concurred,
but as this was an important subject and as but two
members of the Cabinet were present, it was ad-
journed until to-morrow at 9 O'Clock. I suggested
also a descent upon the coast of Mexico by land as
well as by sea, so as to take military possession of
Tampico and all the principal places in the Prov-
ince of Tamaulipas. A meeting was appointed for
to-morrow at 9 O'Clock, the Secretary of the Navy
being in the meantime instructed to write to Pensa-
cola to-night, ordering the commander of the
146 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 Sept
Steamer which brought the despatches from Vera
Cruz to remain at that place, until he again heard
from the Department. The object of detaining the
Steamer was that she might carry out orders to the
squadron off Vera Cruz.
Sunday, 20th September, 1 846. — Addressed a
note to the Secretary of the Treasury requesting him
to call at my office at 9 O'Clock. He called at that
hour, as did also the Secretaries of War & the Navy
agreeably to the appointment made with the two lat-
ter last evening. Mr. Trist furnished the written
translation of the answer of the Mexican Secretary of
Foreign affairs in answer to the overture for peace
made by the Secretary of State on the 27th of July
last. It was considered & the policy to be pursued
consequent upon it was discussed. All agreed in
the views which I had expressed last evening (see
diary of yesterday). The Secretary of War was
directed to ascertain what corps of the volunteers &
regulars now on the Rio Grande, & not with Gen'l
Taylor's & Gen'l Wool's columns marching upon
Chihuahua, could be organized & spared from their
present posts to make a descent by land or by sea
to Tampico and other points in Tamaulipas. After
some further conversation the Cabinet dispersed to
meet again at 7 O'Clock this evening.
I attended the Methodist Episcopal church on
9th Street (Rev. Mr. Slicer's) to-day, accompanied
by Mrs. Polk, Gen'l Armstrong, U. S. consul to
Liverpool, & his daughter.
After returning from church The Secretary of
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY i47
War called in company with Col. Stephenson, the
commander of the Regiment of Volunteers at New
York destined for the coast of California. I ex-
pressed in strong terms my disapprobation at the de-
lay in the departure of the Regiment to its destina-
tion. Col. Stephenson gave some explanations
which were not satisfactory, but said he would re-
turn forthwith to New York and have the Regiment
at sea before Wednesday evening next. I spoke in
decided terms & told him I expect[ed] him to do
so. He left me fully impressed with my dissatisfac-
tion at the great & as I think culpable delay which
has occurred. Col. Stephenson was disposed to at-
tribute the delay to others, & said the transports had
not been ready in time. I suppose the truth is that
the Quarter Master's Department as well as Col.
S. are to blame. I intimated plainly to Col. S. that
if further delay occurred I would cause the officers
who produced it to be arrested & tried.
At 7 O'clock P. M. the Secretaries of the Treas-
ury, War, & Navy called according to adjournment
made this morning. The subject of the movements
of the army & navy which were considered last
evening and this morning were further discussed.
The Secretary of the Navy read the draft of a let-
ter which he had prepared to Commodore Conner
instructing him to take & hold Tampico. The Sec-
retary of War had not drafted his orders to Gen'l
Taylor in regard to the expedition of a column of
the Army to the Southern & Eastern part of Tamaul-
ipas including the City of Tampico. The Cabinet
determined that the Secretary of the Navy should
148 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [21 Sept.
make some modifications of the draft of his letter,
and discussed and agreed upon the points to be em-
braced in the order of the Secretary of War to the
commanding Gen'l of the army in Mexico. The
Cabinet adjourned with the understanding that these
documents should be prepared by to-morrow.
Mrs. Polk on returning from church to-day com-
plains[ed] of indisposition and did not go to din-
ner. Her symptoms indicate that it is a bilious at-
tack, such as is very prevalent in the City at this
time. I proposed to send for a physician, but she
thought it unnecessary and insisted that I should not.
Monday, 21st September, 1846. — I ordered my
office to be kept closed as usual until 12 O'Clock to-
day, but was much annoyed before that hour by per-
sons making special calls who sent in their cards and
I was compelled to see them. At 12 O'Clock a wo-
man begging money and several persons seeking office
called. I gave the woman a small amount of money
in order to get clear of her. I doubt whether she
was a proper object of charity. To the office seek-
ers I had but one answer and that was that there
were no vacancies and that I had no offices to bestow.
The Secretary of War called and read to me the
draft which he had prepared of an order to fit out
an expedition to Tampico & the Southern or West-
ern part of Tamaulipas. I suggested some altera-
tions and requested him to have it ready at th-e meet-
ing of the Cabinet on to-morrow. As Maj'r Gen'l
Butler and Brigadier Generals Quitman & Hamer
of the Volunteers were with Gen'l Taylor in his ad-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 149
vance upon Monterey, I suggested to the Secretary
that the expedition to Tampico should be placed
under the command of Maj'r Gen'l Patterson/ to
be accompanied by Brigadier Generals Pillow^ and
Shields of the Volunteers. The Secretary of the
Navy was present at this interview and concurred in
the decision to which the Secretary of War and my-
self had come. It was concluded that the despatches
to the army and Navy should be prepared & revised
& submitted to the Cabinet on to-morrow.
Gen'l Armstrong took his daughter, who had been
spending a few days in my family, & place[d] her
at Miss English's boarding school in Georgetown.
Mrs. Polk continues slightly indisposed & took
medicine to-night.
Tuesday, 22nd September, 1846. — Mr. Bu-
chanan, the Secretary of State, returned from his
Northern tour last evening, and called on me before
the meeting of the Cabinet this morning.
The Cabinet met at the usual hour, present the
Secretaries of State, War, & Navy. The Secretary
of the Treasury did not attend. The P. M. Gen'l
is still absent on a visit to Tennessee. The Secretary
of War read the draft of his letter to Gen'l Taylor
and one to Gen'l Patterson. Several modifications
of them were suggested and made. The responsi-
^ Robert Patterson, native of Ireland, served in the War of
1812 and in the Mexican War.
^ Gideon J. Pillow of Tennessee, served in the Mexican and
the Civil Wars; in the latter he opposed Grant at Belmont, and,
as second in command, at Fort Donelson.
150 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [22 Sept.
bility was taken of ordering an expedition to Tam-
pico and Eastern Tamaulipas to consist of a column
of three or four thousand men, provided such a
movement did not interfere with the plan of cam-
paign previously ordered by Gen'l Taylor. This
column to be under the command of Maj'r Gen'l
Patterson who will be accompanied by Brigadier
Generals Pillow & Shields. The letters of the Sec-
retary of War to Gen'ls Taylor and Patterson will
fully set forth the decisions made in Cabinet. The
Secretary of the Navy read the draft of a letter to
Commodore Conner, ordering him if practicable to
take Tampico, and to co-operate in that enterprise
with the land forces. A slight modification of it
was suggested and made. I sent for General Jes-
sup, the Quarter Master Gen'l, after the Cabinet
adjourned, and held a conversation with him in re-
lation to the proper provision for transportation, in
view of this new movement of a part of the army.
Maj'r Eastland, one of the Brigade Quarter Mas-
ters of Volunteers, was present, and upon consulta-
tion with him & Gen'l Jessup, I advised the purchase
of two additional Steam Ships for the Gulf. I find
that I am compelled to give some attention to these
details or the movements of the army will be de-
layed and embarrassed. The Secretary of War is
overwhelmed with his labours and responsibilities,
and is compelled to rely for the execution of many
details of his Department to [on] his subordinate
officers, some of whom I fear do not feel that they
have any responsibility, and others seem to act as
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 151
though they were indifferent about the success of our
military operations. Several of these officers are po-
litically opposed to the administration and there is
reason to apprehend that they would be willing to
see the Government embarrassed. With these ap-
prehensions I shall for the future give more atten-
tion than I have done to their conduct. Gen'l Scott
is of no aid to the Department, but his presence at
Washington is constantly embarrassing to the Secre-
tary of War. I will observe his course, and if neces-
sary will order him to some other post. I addressed
a private and unofficial letter to-day to Brigadier
Gen'l Pillow on the subject of the War in Mexico;
(see letter Book).
Gen'l Armstrong, U. S. Consul at Liverpool, left
this afternoon on his return to England. Mrs. Polk
continues[ed] to be so much indisposed this evening
that I prevailed upon her to permit me to call in a
physician. I had several times in the course of the
day proposed it, but she had insisted that it was not
necessary. She had fever this evening and upon
making an earnest appeal to her she yielded that a
physician should be sent for. I accordingly sent for
Dr. Miller, who called and prescribed for her. She
took the medicine prescribed but rested badly
through the night.
Several of our servants are affected with chills and
fevers, and I understand there are many cases of the
kind in the City.
This was reception evening. A few persons, all
gentlemen, called.
152 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [23 Sept.
Wednesday, 2Jrd September, 184b. — Having
many matters of business on my table requiring my
attention, I instructed my messenger this morning to
admit no visitors and bring no cards to me. When-
ever a card is brought to me and I refuse to see the
person I am apt to give offense. If I refuse to re-
ceive cards and do not know who calls I am more
likely to avoid giving offense. Though this was my
general order to-day, my porter acted with proper
discrimination by bringing to me the card of the
Hon. Ralph I. IngersoU ^ of Connecticut, recently
appointed U. S. Minister to Russia. Mr. IngersoU
informed me that he had concluded to accept the
Mission, and that he had visited Washington in order
to make the necessary arrangements, receive his in-
structions &c, preparatory to leaving the country.
I had a conversation with Mr. I. upon the subject
of his mission. He retired, and after having visited
the Secretary of State, returned and informed me
that he found he would not have time at present to
attend satisfactorily to the object of his visit, and that
he had concluded to leave this afternoon and return
to Washington again in October. He informed me
that he expected to leave the country on his mission
in November.
After night Mr. Conner, a leading citizen of
Charleston, S. C, called. Mr. C. is President of one
of the Banks at Charleston. He is a native of
Mecklenburg County, N. C, the same County in
which I was born. His family are distantly related
^ Ralph Isaac IngersoU, 1789-1872, minister to Russia 1846-
1848.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 153
to mine, and I remember to have called at his father's
house near Beatty's Ford in the fall of 181 5, when I
was on my way to College. Mr. C. is a democrat
upon principle, and I had a pleasant and interesting
conversation with him. He expressed his full ap-
probation of the leading measures of my administra-
tion. Mrs. Polk is still indisposed, but is better this
evening.
Thursday, 24th September, 1846. — I had scarce-
ly got into my office this morning until I received a
note from a man signing his name F. E. Bramhall
begging money. Similar applications are made to
me almost daily. I cannot supply all their wants,
and if I could a large majority of such beggars I
have no doubt are unworthy. I am compelled to
decline giving, except in a few cases where I am sat-
isfied that the persons applying are objects of charity
or are in great distress. Since it has become known
that I gave the unfortunate Felix G. McConnell of
Alabama $100. a few days before he committed sui-
cide, these applications have become much more
numerous than heretofore. I opened my office &
received visitors at 12 O'Clock. Among others who
made their appearance was Mr. Bramhall from
[whom] I had received the note this morning beg-
ging for money. He told me his name and asked
me if I had received his note. I told him I had but
could not accommodate him. He was a person ap-
parently about 30 years old and was well dressed.
He stepped out of the office and returned in a minute
or two and introduced his wife to me. She was as
154 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [25 Sept.
well dressed as my wife is when she goes to church.
Whilst he was in the office another strong & athletic
looking young man applied for money. I gave him
the same answer. I have every reason to believe
that my kindness to poor McConnell has brought
these trifling loafers upon me.
I sent for the Secretary of War this morning and
told him it was necessary that he should give his per-
sonal attention to the Quarter-Master's and Commis-
sary's Departments and see that the necessary pro-
vision was made on their part to supply the column
of the army recently ordered to move to Tampico
and other points on the coast. I told him that I
feared some of the lower officers at Washington cared
but little what disasters happened, provided they
could avoid censure or responsibility. The Secre-
tary expressed his distrust of their fidelity to the ad-
ministration, and said he would return to the De-
partment and issue stringent orders such as I had
suggested at once.
I disposed of the current business on my table.
I was somewhat indisposed to-day. Much sick-
ness prevails in the City. Mrs. Polk is still indis-
posed and has been taking medicine yesterday and
to-day.
Friday, 2Sth September, 1846. — I was engaged
as usual in my office until 12 O'Clock to-day when I
opened my doors for the reception of visitors. Sev-
eral office seekers called. I soon disposed of them
by telling them that I had no vacancies to fill. A
female called to beg money. She was no object of
I&46] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY iS5
charity and I refused to give her any. My kind-
ness to poor McConnell of Alabama has brought
upon me a horde of beggars who seem to think it is
a fine opportunity to supply their wants.
Mr. Buchanan called and read to me despatches
from Mr. Harris, U. S. charge d'affaires to Buenos-
ayres. I Had a long conversation with him in re-
lation to our foreign affairs, and particularly with
the South American States. The conduct of Mr.
Wise at Brazil and Mr. Brent at the Argentine Re-
public in interfering in the internal contests of the
South American Governments, and especially in the
tender of the mediation of their Government, was
not only unauthorized, but is calculated to do much
mischief. Mr. Brent has been superseded by Mr.
Harris, and Mr. Wise will return during the next
winter. Their successors will be instructed to avoid
embarrassing & involving their Government in a sim-
ilar manner. It is indeed provoking that any for-
eign representatives should have acted with so little
discretion and judgment as Mr. Wise and Mr. Brent
have done.
My Private Secretary, J. Knox Walker, returned
to-night, having been absent on a visit to Tennessee
since the morning of the 12th of August last. I
shall hereafter be relieved from the labour of signing
land Patents which I have had to perform during
his absence.
I learn from Col. Walker that Mr. Johnson, the
P. M. Gen'l, who left at the same time, returned with
him.
156 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [26 Sept.
Saturday, 2dth September, 1846. — Mr. Cave
Johnson, the P. M. Gen'l, having been absent on a
visit to Tennessee since the 12th day of August last,
returned to the City last night and called on me this
morning.
The Cabinet met at the usual hour; all the mem-
bers present except the Secretary of the Navy, the
Atto. GenTs office being vacant. The Secretary of
State read a letter^ which he had prepared in reply
to that of the Secretary of Foreign affairs of the
Mexican Government received on the 19th Instant
(see this diary of that day) in answer to the letter
of the Secretary of State of the 27th of July last
proposing to renew negotiations with a view to con-
clude a peace just & honourable to both nations. As
the Mexican Government had, as appears by their
answer, postponed a definitive decision upon the
proposition made by the Secretary of State until the
meeting of the Mexican Congress on the 6th of De-
cember next, and had placed a false construction
upon his language, it was deemed proper to make
a response. The letter in reply prepared by Mr.
Buchanan having been read by him, he remarked
that he desired the opinion of the Cabinet and then
of the President. I remained silent until the views
of the Cabinet were expressed. The Secretary of
War objected to that part of the letter which an-
nounced that the expenses of the War must be de-
frayed by Mexico, as impolitic to be announced at
this time, because it would be likely to prevent Mex-
ico from entering into negotiations. He was in fa-
^ Moore, Buchanan, VII, 87.
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 157
vour of securing indemnity for the expenses of thie
war in a treaty of peace, but doubted the policy of
announcing that fact in this preliminary stage of the
proceedings. The Secretary of the Treasury was in
favour of retaining this part of the letter. A dis-
cussion ensued in which I took no part. The P. M.
Gen'l seemed to concur with the Secretary of State
and the Secretary of the Treasury that the part of
the letter claiming indemnity for the expenses of the
war should be retained. The Secretary of War
after the discussion had proceeded for some time
seemed willing to yield his objections. Mr. Bu-
chanan then addressing me said, " and what is the
President's opinion?" I remarked to him that I
should insist when a Treaty was made upon being
indemnified for the expenses of the War, and that
in arranging a boundary these expenses must be
taken into the account, but that I had serious doubts
whether this fact should be announced at this time,
and that my opinion inclined that it would be time
enough to insist upon it after negotiations were
opened, and we came to settle the terms of a Treaty.
I remarked further that whatever indemnity was
acquired for the claims of our citizens, for the out-
rages committed by the Mexicans for a long series of
years, as well as for the expenses of the war, must be
in the acquisition of territory on our part, because
it was well known that Mexico had no money to pay.
My opinion was further, that to announce the fact
now that Mexico was to pay the expenses of the
War, would excite that stubborn and impracticable
people and prevent them from entering into negotia-
158 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [26 Sept.
tions. I suggested that this paragraph of the letter
should be modified so as to state that the delay on the
part of Mexico in acceding to our overture to open
negotiations would render a satisfactory adjustment
more difficult because of the increased expenses of
the War. This suggestion was acceded to, and Mr.
Buchanan said he would modify the letter accord-
ingly. I requested him to submit it to me before he
sent it off, and he said he would do so.
Before the meeting of the Cabinet this morning
Gen'l Jessup, the Quarter Master Gen'l, called &
informed me that so great were the responsibilities
of his Department that he was not satisfied to rely
upon his subordinates at so great a distance from him
to make the proper provision for the army and that
he thought he ought to go in person to the seat of
operations. He said he did not ask to go to the
army with any rank giving him the right to take
command, but in his capacity as a staff officer. He
satisfied me that this was necessary and proper for
the efficiency of the service, and I so expressed my-
self, but told him before I decided I would con-
sult the Secretary of War. After other business was
disposed of, I brought this matter before the Cab-
inet, and after assigning the reasons for it which
General Jessup assigned to me, the Secretary of
War and the other members of the Cabinet present
assented to its propriety. I then directed that Gen-
eral Jessup should be ordered to the army, as he
had suggested.
The Secretary of War complained of being In-
disposed & retired before the Cabinet adjourned.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 159
Some other business not worthy of note was attended
to.
Before the Cabinet adjourned, I remarked to
them that as the Hon. Franklin Pierce to whom I
had tendered the office of attorney Gen'l had de-
clined to accept it, that I must select some other
person for that office. I informed them that the
Hon. Nathan Clifford ^ of Maine had been recom-
mended to me, but that I had very little knowledge
of him and did not know his qualifications as a
lawyer, and added that I did not desire to bring
any one into the Cabinet who would be exception-
able to any of its members, as I desired to preserve
the harmony which had hitherto prevailed in our
councils. All the members present expressed their
entire satisfaction with Mr. Clifford, but none of
them were able to inform me what his legal attain-
ments were. They knew him to be a man of talents
and to stand high in Maine, but they had not suffi-
cient knowledge of him as a lawyer to speak with
confidence. At my request the Secretary of the
Treasury agreed to consult Judge Paris of Maine
confidentially (the 2nd Comptroller of the Treas-
ury) as to Mr. Clifford's standing in Maine as
[and] especially as to his legal attainments. The
Cabinet adjourned & in about an hour the Secretary
of the Treasury returned and informed me that he
had seen Judge Paris, who informed him that Mr.
Clifford was a man of very high standing; that he
had filled the office of attorney Gen'l under the
^Nathan Clifford, 1804-1881, U. S. Attorney General 1846-
1848, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court 1 858-1 881.
i6o JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY Uy Sept.
State Government of Maine for several years, and
that his attainments as a lawyer were respectable.
I sent for Mr. Appleton of Maine (ch. Clk. in the
Navy Department) and consulted him confidentially
as to Mr. Clifford & his legal attainments. He
gave me about the same account of him which Judge
Paris had given to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Sunday, ZJth September, 1846. — General James
Hamilton ^ of S. C. addressed me a note this morn-
ing stating that he was compelled to leave the City
to-day, and that he desired to see me at 9 O'Clock.
He called at that hour. In the course of a conver-
sation of half an hour he expressed in very strong
terms the opinion that it was the duty of the whole
South to give to my administration an ardent &
hearty support, approving as he said he did of all
the leading measures of my administration, and he
enquired with some anxiety & great earnestness
whether there was any alienation or unkind feelings
between Mr. Calhoun and myself. I told him that
there was none, not the slightest on my part. He
said he disapproved Mr. Calhoun's course in refer-
ence to the Mexican War, that he had written him
at the time on the subject, and that on his return
to the South whither he was now going, having
spent some weeks at the North, he would see Mr.
Calhoun and urge him to give to my administration
a zealous support. He expressed the opinion that
the Whigs of the North would violently assail my
^Governor of South Carolina 1 830-1 832, an advocate of
free trade and State rights.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 161
administration & repeated that it was the duty of
the whole democracy and especially of the South to
sustain me. Whilst Gen'l Hamilton was with me
it was announced by my porter that Gov. Brown ^
of Tennessee and my old friend, Daniel Graham,^
of Tennessee had called and were in the parlour
below stairs. As soon as Gen'l H. left I went to
the parlour & saw them. I learned from them that
their wives accompanied them. After spending a
short time with them they left, with the understand-
ing that I would drive by Brown's Hotel, where they
stopped, and take them with me to church.
General Jessup sent a message to me by my porter
that he wished to see me on special business.
Though contrary to my practice to see company on
this day, I directed him to be shown into my office.
After conversing with him for a few minutes in
reference to his departure for the army (see this
diary of yesterday) he retired.
Mrs. Polk although convalescent, was too feeble
from her late indisposition to attend church to-
day.
My [her] niece. Miss Rucker, and myself at-
tended the first Presbyterian church. We called on
the way at Brown's Hotel, and Mr. & Mrs. Graham
accompanied us to church. Gov. Brown & his wife
did not attend church. I invited Gov. Brown and
Mr. Graham, being both of them old and intimate
^ Aaron V. Brown, Governor of Tennessee 1845-1847, and for
many years an influential leader of the Democratic party.
-Appointed Register of the Treasury in 1847 to succeed Ran-
som H. Gillett.
i62 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [28 Sept.
friends, to take rooms in the President's House dur-
ing their stay in Washington.
About dark the P. M. Gen'l called and shortly
afterwards Gov. Brown & Mr. Graham called.
Mrs. Polk saw the ladies in her chamber, and I saw
the gentlemen in my office. I spent an agreeable
evening with these old friends. In the course of the
evening Mr. Buchanan called and spent half an
hour. I saw the ladies in the parlour before they
left.
Monday, 28th September, 1846. — Had several
special calls before 12 O'Clock this morning, and
among them several genteel strangers who called sim-
ply to pay their respects. At 12 O'Clock agreeably
to previous arrangement I received in my office a
delegation [of] about twenty Head men and braves
of the Winnebagoe tribe of Indians, accompanied by
Gen'l Fletcher, the U. S. Sub Agent. They were
the largest and finest looking men of any tribe who
have visited me. I made them a short address
through Mr. Lowry, the U. S. Interpreter, to which
one of the chiefs responded. I informed them that
I would appoint commissioners to meet them in
council and hold a talk with them on the subject of
their business, on the day after to-morrow. One
[of] the chiefs then made an address to me and
presented to me a pipe with a flat wooden Stem 4
or 5 feet long richly ornamented with beads and
feathers & with a silver band around it, on which
was the following inscription, viz., " Wee-no-Shick,
Head Chief of the Winnebagoes, to James K. Polk."
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 163
This pipe was presented by the brother of the chief
who, he said, was old and could not come so far, but
had sent it as an emblem of friendship for his Great
Father. One of the chiefs struck fire with flint and
steel and lighted the Pipe, when the brother of the
chief presented it to me to smoke. I smoked it, and
he then passed around the room and presented it to
each chief and Brave, who also smoked it. I then
made a short address to the brother of the absent
chief, returned my thanks for the Pipe, & told him
I would send his brother, the Principal chief, a
present in return. I urged them to preserve peace
with the White men, told them that as long as they
did so I would be their friend & the friend of their
people. I requested them to call that I might shake
them by the hand again before they left the City.
They appeared to be well pleased.
After they retired I saw a number of persons,
ladies & gentlemen, who called. After night Gov.
Brown and Mr. Daniel Graham spent an hour or
two in my office.
Tuesday, 2gth September, 1846. — This was the
regular day for the meeting of the Cabinet. The
Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and
the P. M. Gen'l attended at the usual hour. The
Secretaries of War and the Navy I learned were
confined to their houses by indisposition.
The subject of a loan or issue of Treasury notes
was considered. The Secretary of the Treasury ex-
pressed the opinion that a loan or an issue of Treas-
ury notes would be necessary, as there was now in
i64 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [29 Sept.
the Treasury only a fraction over Four millions of
Dollars, which in his opinion was too small a sum
for a period of War. The income into the Treasury
is greatly diminished in consequence of the prospec-
tive reduction of the rates of duty on the ist of
December next, under the tariff of 1846, and in con-
sequence of the operations of the Warehousing Bill.
The necessity of the loan being settled, the mode &
form of affecting [effecting] it was next considered.
The issue of Treasury notes redeemable in 12
Months bearing an interest of 6 per Cent was the
plan approved by me. Mr. Buchanan favoured this
mode and the Secretary of the Treasury inclined to
the same opinion. At the same time that I inti-
mated my opinion I informed the Secretary of the
Treasury that as the responsibility would fall in
great part on him, I would leave it to him to adopt
this mode or to resort to a funded debt for the
amount needed. He said he would give the subject
his immediate attention.
My steward (Henry Bowman) who has been ab-
sent from the City near a month returned to-day.
During his absence he laid in supplies for the
President's House at New York & Baltimore.
Gov. Brown of Tennessee & his wife, Mr. Daniel
Graham and his wife of Tennessee, Mr. Buchanan,
Mr. Cave Johnson, and Mr. Ritchie, Ed. of the
Union, took dinner with me to-day.
This was reception evening. A few persons,
ladies & gentlemen, called, & among others Mrs.
Madison.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 165
Wednesday, ^Oth September, 1846. — Saw com-
pany at 12 O'clock to-day. A number of persons
called, and among them several office seekers for
whom I had no offices.
Nothing worthy of note occurred during the day.
After night Gen. Jessup, the Quarter Master Gen'l,
called and I had a long conversation with him in
relation to the operations of the army in the Mexican
War. Gen'l Jessup will leave on to-morrow for
the Rio Grande in his stafif character of Quarter
Master General, with a view to make prompt and
more effective provision for the army, so far as his
Department is concerned. I requested him when
he reached the seat of War to write to me unofficially
and give me information and also his opinions in re-
lation to the prosecution of the War.
This afternoon I rode with Gov. Brown '& Mr.
Daniel Graham of Tennessee to visit Judge Mason,
who had been indisposed. We found him conva-
lescent.
Thursday, Ist October, 1846. — I opened my
office for the reception of company as usual at 12
O'clock to-day. A number of office-seekers at-
tended as usual, and retired without having their
wishes gratified. I had no vacancies to fill, and did
not choose to turn out better men to put them in.
My greatest annoyance is the constant stream of per-
sons seeking office & begging money.
To-day I wrote some paragraphs for my message
at the meeting of the next Session of Congress.
i66 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i Oct.
They were upon the subjects which I foresaw it
would be proper to bring to the notice of Congress,
but subject of course to such modifications as a
changed state of facts may render proper.
I received a note about noon to-day without date
from the Hon. Rob't J. Walker, Secretary of the
Treasury, informing me that he had " found it neces-
sary to go on immediately to the North to effect the
nego[tia]tion " (of a loan) "on twelve months
Treasury notes" (see his note on my files). I was
greatly surprised at this, and especially that he had
not informed me before leaving. I immediately
sent for Mr. McClintock Young, the chief clerk in
the Treasury Department, in order to obtain further
information. Mr. Young informed me that Mr.
Walker left last evening, and did not desire it to be
known to the public that he was gone to the North ;
that he intended to stop at Princeton, N. Jersey, and
send for Mr. Lawrence,^ the collector at New York,
& Mr. Newbold[?] with a view to negotiate the
loan through their agency. I cannot understand
the necessity of all this secrecy and mystery in the
movements of the Secretary, and still less can I un-
derstand why he should have left the City on public
business of so much importance without at least ad-
vising me of it, if not consulting me before he left.
I am wholly at a loss to understand the necessity of
such a movement. There could have been no neces-
sity to conceal it from me. How it happened that
his note to me, without date, was not delivered until
^ Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence, capitalist and banker of New
York.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 167
noon to-day remains to be explained. I told Mr.
Young that I would appoint him acting Secretary
of the Treasury ad interim. He said it would not
probably be necessary as he expected Mr. Walker to
return in two or three days.
I omitted to state in yesterday's Diary that I ad-
dressed a letter on that day to the Hon. Nathan
Clifford of Maine, tendering to him the office of
Atto. Gen'l of the U. S. in place of Judge Mason,
appointed Secretary of the Navy: (see letters to Mr.
Clifford & to the Hon. John Fairfield, U. S. Senator
from Maine, by whom among others Mr. Clifford
was recommended).
Mr. N. P. Trist, the ch. Clerk in the Department
of State, handed to me some days ago two letters
from Mr. Richard Rush, the one dated Sept. 19th
and the other Sept. 21st, whilst he was acting Sec-
retary of State, during Mr. Buchanan's temporary
absence from the City. They treated of the Oregon
negotiation, and controverted Mr. McLane's state-
ment in his late response to the address made to him
by the Chamber of Commerce of N. York. The
statement the correctness of which Mr. Rush con-
troverts is as follows, viz., *' Having some knowl-
edge from my official position at that time of the
policy and objects of the Convention of 1828, I am
quite persuaded that its main design was to lead, in
a future partition of the territory, to the recognition
of our claim to the country not North, but South of
the 49th parallel, and between that and the Colum-
bia River." Mr. Rush says this was new to him;
that he was a member of Mr. Adams's Cabinet when
168 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i Oct.
the Treaty of 1828 was concluded and ratified, and
that he did not understand the object of the Conven-
tion as Mr. McLane presents it. He states that iVIr.
Adams's opinion[s] of title were then the same as
those expressed in debate on the floor of Congress
last winter. The object of Mr. Rush's letters to Mr.
Trist (acting Secretary of State) was to ascertain
whether there was any evidence in the State Depart-
ment which he may have overlooked favouring Mr.
McLane's idea. The closing paragraph of Mr.
Rush's letter of the 21st Sept., 1846, to Mr. Trist is
as follows, viz.:
*'For one, I am unshaken in the belief that it was
the President's opening message to the first Congress
he met, on the second of December last, that pro-
duced the settlement of the Oregon difficulty. It
was like a great bumb-shell thrown into the Brittish
Cabinet. It took them by surprise and first roused
them to the unavoidable necessity of a settlement.
I thought when it appeared that it would lead to
War, so bold was it, though every word was just;
whereas it lead [led] to peace."
I was much engaged when Mr. Trist handed to
me these letters of Mr. Rush. Not knowing their
importance I laid them aside & did not examine
them until to-day. I think Mr. McLane's statement
in his address was not only erroneous as the public
have understood it, but was ill-timed and calculated
to do mischief rather than good. I regret that he
made it. He has explained that he referred only to
his instructions now published. (See this diary some
two or three weeks ago.)
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 169
Friday, 2nd October, 1846. — I did not open my
office for the reception of company generally to-day,
though a number of persons were admitted at differ-
ent periods of the day.
At 10 O'clock this morning the Secretary of War
and commissioner of Indian affairs called. They
were accompanied by Albion K. Parris, 2nd Comp-
troller, Col. Abert, and Maj'r Andrews of the army,
whom I had appointed commissioners to treat with
the Delegation of the Head men & chiefs of the Win-
nebagoe Tribe of Indians, now on a visit to this City.
The object of the call of these gentlemen was to con-
sult with me and receive my directions as to the terms
of the Treaty which they should propose, and par-
ticularly as to the country which they should offer
to give to the Winnebagoes in exchange for the coun-
try which they now occupy in the Iowa Territory.
After examining a carefully prepared map presented
by Col. Abert and discussing the various matters
connected with the subject with the commissioners,
I gave my views to the commissioners and they re-
tired.
The Secretary of War remained. He had been
indisposed for some days past, and, although feeble,
was recovering. He had received letters from Gen'l
Taylor and Gen'l Kearney, which I read. Gen'l
Taylor's letters were under date of Sept. 4th, 1846.
He was about leaving Carmaga [Camargo] for
Monterey, and the probability was that a battle
would take place at the latter place. Gen'l Kearney
on the i8th of August had taken possession of Santa
Fe without firing a gun or shedding blood, and had
170 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [2 Oct.
proclaimed New Mexico to be a conquered Prov-
ince and a part of the U. States. He expected to
leave with a part of his command for Upper Cali-
fornia early in September, leaving a sufficient force
to hold Santa Fe and New Mexico. Gen'l Kearney
has thus far performed his duty well.
I held a conference with the Secretary of War on
various matters connected with the War, and the
manner of conducting it.
Mr. Buchanan called and read to me two articles.
No. 3 & 4, which he had prepared for the Pennsyl-
vanian of Phila. in vindication of the administration
on the Oregon question. He informed me that the
ist of the Series had been published in the Pennsyl-
vanian.^ He informed me that there would be four
or five additional numbers, & that when completed
he intended to have them printed in pamphlet form
and circulated. The numbers which he read to me
I thought were well prepared & presented correct
views.
Mr. Ritchie called and I told him I regretted ex-
ceedingly the appearance of an article in the Union
of last evening on the Oregon question, because it
did not present the position of the administration
truly, and because I feared it would be misunder-
stood by Mr. McLane, & was well calculated to make
an unnecessary issue with that gentleman. I pointed
out to him the errors in the article & the false posi-
tions which it had assumed. Mr. Ritchie said the
article was written by his assistant Editor, Mr. Ames,
^ For the series see the Pennsylvanian, October i to November
26, inclusive.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 171
that he was very busy at the time, and that it had
been inserted without much examination. I ex-
pressed my regret that more care had not been
taken.
This was reception evening. It was raining and
only half a dozen gentlemen called.
Saturday, jrd October, 1846. — At the usual
hour to-day the Secretary of State, the Secretary of
War, & the P. M. Gen'l met in Cabinet. The Secre-
tary of the Treasury is absent from the City & the
Secretary of the Navy is still indisposed as I under-
stand. The subject of the prosecution of the war and
the state of the finances were topics of consideration.
I had been examining for a day or two past the
subject of making appropriations for the Improve-
ment of Harbours & Rivers, and expressed to the
Cabinet my decided impression that the whole sys-
tem should be checked, and informed them that I
was seriously examining the subject and that I would
probably in my next annual message take strong
ground against all such appropriations as not war-
ranted by the Constitution and wholly inexpedient.
The subject was discussed at some length. I was
surprised, because I did not expect it, to find that
Mr. Buchanan concurred with me in my views, and
thought it indispensable that the practice of making
these improvements by the Federal Government
should be checked, if not totally arrested. Mr.
Marcy & Mr. Johnson also expressed their concur-
rence in my views. I then stated that I would ex-
amine the subject further, & that with my present
172 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 Oct.
impressions I would probably take strong grounds
in my message against the whole system.
Robert M. McLane, Esqr., of Baltimore (son of the
late Minister to England) called, and after some
general conversation he introduced the subject of an
article which appeared in the Union on the evening
before the last on the Oregon question. He said it had
annoyed his father very much, and that he apprehen-
ded that Mr. Ritchie would force an issue upon him.
I at once told Mr. McLane that I had not seen the
article until 10 O'Clock on the day after it was pub-
lished, and- that on reading it I at once condemned
and disapproved it. I told him I had seen Mr.
Ritchie and informed him so. (See this diary of
the 2nd Instant.) Mr. McLane added that the three
preceding articles on the Oregon question which ap-
peared in the Union some days previous to the last
article were entirely satisfactory to himself and his
father; that at the close of these three articles the
case stood well ; but that the last article took erro-
neous ground and was most unfortunate. I told him
that Mr. Ritchie had informed me that the last
article was written by his assistant, Mr. Ames, and
that it had been hastily inserted without much ex-
amination. Mr. McLane expressed himself to be
satisfied. I told him that I had no doubt Mr,
Ritchie would be ready to make any proper expla-
nation of the article, and that I had no idea that he
sought or desired to make any issue with his father.
He said he had better write nothing more on the sub-
ject, unless the course of the Whig press should make
it necessary. Mr. McLane did not say that his visit
i846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY i73
to Washington to-day was on the subject of the
article in the Union, but I have no doubt it was so.
I saw Mr. Ritchie in the afternoon and informed
him of my interview with Mr. McLane. He re-
gretted the publication of the article. The truth is
Mr. McLane's language in his New York address
was susceptible of being misinterpreted, and that has
given rise to the whole controversy. The Whig
press has seized upon it for political capital, and
[this] has made it necessary to set forth in the Dem-
ocratic papers the true State of the facts. It is much
to be regretted that Mr. McLane employed the lan-
guage that he did in that address, for although he
has [in] the Baltimore Argus, and in a personal
conversation with me shortly after his return from
England, explained what he meant by it, still stand-
ing alone & without explanation it is subject to be
misunderstood. (For Mr. McLane's personal ex-
planation to me, see this diary of the nth of Sept.
last.)
Gov. Brown of Tennessee called to-night and spent
two or three hours with me in my office.
Sunday, 4th October, 1846. — Attended the First
Presbyterian church to-day in company with Mrs.
Polk and Governor and Mrs. Brown of Tennessee.
We drove to the Indian Queen Hotel on our way to
church, where Governor & Mrs. Brown joined us.
Monday, 5M October, 1846. — I occupied the
morning until 12 O'Clock in disposing of the busi-
ness on my table. At that hour I opened my office
174 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [6 Oct.
for the reception of visitors and persons on business.
A number of persons, ladies and gentlemen, called on
visits of ceremony. A number of office-seekers
called as usual, but I had no offices to give them.
The Secretary of the Navy called, & I had a con-
versation with him in relation to the operations of
the Navy in the Mexican war, and upon other
branches of the service connected with his Depart-
ment. He had been indisposed for several days and
was still feeble, but was recovering from his attack.
Gen'l Robert Armstrong, U. S. consul at Liver-
pool, called unexpectedly. I supposed he was on
his voyage to Liverpool. He informed me that he
had taken passage in the Steamer Great Western for
the 8th Inst., & having a day or two of leisure had
concluded to come to Washington.
Tuesday, 6th October, 1846. — The Hon. Ralph
I. IngersoU of Connecticut called on me on yester-
day. He visits Washington preparatory to his de-
parture on his mission to Russia.
The Cabinet met to-day at the usual hour, all the
members present except the Secretary of the Treas-
ury, who is absent from the City on a visit to New
York on business connected with his Department.
The Attorney General's office has not yet been filled.
The Secretary of State presented and read a cor-
respondence between the U. S. Consul & the French
consul at Tripoli upon their respective claims to
precedence in rank, together with a communication
from the French Minister here transmitting a de-
spatch from Mr. Guizot, the French Minister of
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 175
Foreign affairs, upon the subject. It was a mere
question of etiquette & ceremony between the consuls
at Tripoli, & but for the consequence attached to it
by Mr. Guizot's [despatch] would be unworthy of
notice. An anecdote is told of Mr. Jefferson to the
effect that the French minister, whom he invited to
Dinner with the Diplomatic corps, had taken of-
fence because he had not been assigned his proper
place at the table. Mr. Jefferson had been informed
that he was dissatisfied & that he intended to call for
an explanation. While in his office his porter an-
nounced to him that the French minister was in wait-
ing. Mr. Jefferson was in his shirt sleeves but said
promptly, show him in. The French minister en-
tered in State attired in his Court dress & found Mr.
Jefferson with one foot up in the act of drawing on
his boot. Mr. Jefferson turned his head as he en-
tered & said, " Come in. Sir; we have no ceremonies
here." The Frenchman was astonished, sat a few
minutes & retired with [out] making known his
business, and afterwards said it was useless to raise
any question of etiquette or ceremony with such a
people. This anecdote illustrates the folly of the
quarrel between the American and French consuls
at Tripoli. I told Mr. Buchanan I was not a man of
ceremonies, & that he and Mr. Guizot might settle
the dispute between the consuls in any way they
pleased.^
The Mexican war was the subject of conversation.
^ For Buchanan's action in this affair see his letters to Joshua
L. Martin, acting charge d'affaires at Paris, in Moore, Buchanan,
VII, 96 and 102.
176 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [7 Oct.
A letter from Gen'l Tomson to the Secretary of
War, giving his opinion of the proper mode of pros-
ecuting it, was read. Gen'l Tomson's plan is to
seize and hold the part of the country which we in-
tend to retain, to indemnify our citizens for their
claims on Mexico and to defray the expenses of the
War, and not to prosecute a war of invasion beyond
this point. It was the subject of conversation but
the Cabinet came to no decision upon it. Some other
matters of minor importance were considered.
This was reception evening. More persons called
than has been usual since the adjournment of Con-
gress, ladies & gentlemen. Mrs. Polk was too much
indisposed to be in the parlour.
Wednesday, Jth October, 1846. — I was engaged
this morning as usual in disposing of the business on
my table until 12 O'Clock. Before that hour I sent
for Mr. Buchanan and requested him to accompany
me to the Commencement of the Columbia College
to-day, to which I had been invited. He readily
answered me that he would call at that hour and ac-
company me. A few minutes before 12 O'Clock
Mr. Marcy, the Secretary of War, called on busi-
ness, which being transacted he inquired of me if I
intended to attend the commencement of the College
to-day. I answered him that I did and invited him
to take a seat in my carriage and accompany me,
stating to him that I had invited Mr. Buchanan to go
also. Mr. Marcy agreed to do so. A few minutes
after the hour of 12 O'Clock Mr. Marcy, my
Private Secretary, and myself proceeded to the front
j846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 177
door where my carriage was in waiting and where
we met Mr. Buchanan, who had just come from his
office. Mr. Buchanan was invited to take a seat in
my carriage, but declined doing so, saying that he
had not been invited by the President or authorities
of the college. I could not avoid the conclusion that
this was not the real reason, and feared that what I
had heard was true, viz.^ that there was some cool-
ness between Mr. Marcy and himself growing out of
the selection by Mr. Buchanan of the Albany Atlas
instead of the Albany Argus ^ as one of the papers
in which to publish the laws of the U. States. I
shall deeply regret if any serious misunderstanding
shall exist between these two members of my Cab-
inet in consequence of so trivial a cause. Mr. Bu-
chanan returned to his office, and we proceeded to
the Baptist church on E Street and attended the com-
mencement. The exercises were interesting, the
young men acquitting themselves well. The Secre-
tary of the Navy was also present. I returned to my
office about 2 O'Clock.
After night Mr. Cave Johnson, the P. M. Gen'l,
Mr. Mason, the Secretary of the Navy, Gov. Brown,
and Maj'r Graham of Tennessee called, and I spent
a very agreeable evening with them. They left
about 10 O'clock P. M.
Mr. Buchanan left with me for my examination
to-day the 4th No. of the articles which he is pre-
^ The Argus was the organ at this time of the faction of the New-
York Democracy opposed to Wright and Van Buren. For an
account of the poh'tical affih'ations and management of the two
papers, see Hudson, History of Journalism in the United States.
178 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [8 Oct.
paring and which are in course of publication in the
Pennsylvanian vindicating the course of the admin-
istration in the Oregon negotiation.
Thursday, 8th October, 1846.— Thh morning at
10 O'clock, the Secretary of War, the commissioner
of Indian afifairs. Judge Paris, Col. Abert, & Maj'r
Andrews, the three latter being commissioners ap-
pointed to treat with the Head men and chiefs of
the Winnebago Tribe of Indians now in this City,
called. They stated to me the propositions which
had been made by themselves & the Indians in ref-
erence to the terms of cession of the Indian Territory
in Iowa at present occupied by that tribe, and stated
to me that they desired to receive my directions on
the subject. After conversing with them for a con-
siderable time & understanding the subject I gave
them my views & they retired.
At 12 O'clock I opened my office for the reception
of visitors. But few persons called. Among them
was an old visitor who has been seeking an office from
me since March 1845. I think in self-defense I shall
be compelled to give him one & thus get clear of him.
Nothing of interest occurred during the remainder
of the day.
I returned to Mr. Buchanan the article for the
Pennsylvanian on the Oregon negotiation, which he
left with me for my examination on yesterday. I
made no suggestion of change in it.
Friday, gth October, 1846.— Wsls occupied in
business until 12 O'Clock to-day. At that hour I
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 179
opened my office and saw company. A number of
persons called, but nothing worthy of notice occurred.
Mr. Daniel Graham of Tennessee and his wife took
a family dinner with me to-day. This was reception
evening and a number of persons, ladies & gentle-
men, called, & among others Gov. Brown of Ten-
nessee & his wife. Gov. Brown and Mr. Graham
have been in the City for several days on business
with the War Department relating to disbursements
made by the State of Tennessee for the Volunteers
from that State who are now with the army in
Mexico.
Saturday, loth October, 1846.— Thh was the
Regular day of the meeting of the Cabinet. All the
members attended at the usual hour except the Sec-
retary of the Treasury, who is still absent from the
City, having gone to the City of New York on busi-
ness connected with his Department, and especially
for the purpose of negotiating a loan for the Gov-
ernment. The office of Attorney General has not
yet been filled, no answer having been received from'
Mr. Clifford of Maine, to whom I had tendered the
office on the 30th ultimo (see this diary of the ist
Instant). The manner of prosecuting the Mexican
war was the chief subject considered. The expedi-
tion to Tampico having been heretofore resolved
upon, the question of extending that expedition to
Vera Cruz was discussed. From information re-
cently received it appears that an army may land
near Sacraficias within 3 & [or] 4 miles of Vera
Cruz, and invest the town of Vera Cruz in the rear.
i8o JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [n Oct.
This was information not heretofore known, & fear-
ing that it might not be correct I requested Mr. Bu-
chanan to write to the late U. S. Consul at Vera
Cruz (Mr. Dimond) now in Rhode Island, & re-
quest him to come immediately to Washington, be-
lieving that from him reliable information could be
obtained. It is believed that if an army of a few thou-
sand men can land at the point suggested that they
could by besieging the City in the rear cut off all
supplies from it, and that by keeping up a strict
blockade by sea, the City and fortress of San Juan de
UUoa must in the course of a very few days surren-
der. If this be practicable, it is of the greatest im-
portance that it be done. In this the Cabinet agreed,
but postponed a final decision until Mr. Dimond
arrived, who from his long residence in Vera Cruz
could probably give much valuable information not
only of the practicability of landing at the point sug-
gested and of the topography of the country in the
rear of Vera Cruz, but also much other information
important to be known before such an expedition is
resolved upon. This Dimond it is believed may be
here before the meeting of the Cabinet on tuesday
next.
Sunday, nth October, 1846. — Attended the first
Presbyterian church in company with Mrs. Polk to-
day. We drove by the Indian Queen Hotel & took
Maj'r Graham of Tennessee & his wife with us to
church. I learned from Maj'r Graham that Gov.
Brown of Tennessee and his wife left the City this
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 181
morning for New York from which they would re-
turn home by the Northern route.
About dark Capt. Eaton of the U. S. Army called
in company with the Secretary of War & the Ad-
jutant General. Capt. Eaton was the bearer of de-
spatches from Gen'l Taylor, having left Monterey
on the evening of the 25th ultimo. These despatches
announced that a battle had been fought between the
two armies at Monterey commencing on the evening
of the 20th ultimo & continuing for between three
and four days. The result was a capitulation by
which the American army were left in possession of
the City, and the Mexican army permitted to retire
with their arms, except the larger part of their ordi-
nance & munitions of war which were delivered over
to the American forces. An armistice was also
agreed upon to continue for eight weeks. In agree-
ing to this armistice Gen'l Taylor violated his ex-
press orders & I regret that I cannot approve his
course. He had the enemy in his power & should
have taken them prisoners, deprived them of their
arms, discharged them on their parole of honour,
and preserved the advantage which he had obtained
by pushing on without delay further into the coun-
try, if the force at his command justified it. Our
troops fought well, though with some loss of officers
& men. It was a great mistake in Gen'l Taylor to
agree to an armistice. It will only enable the Mex-
ican army to reorganize and recruit so as to make
another stand.
Besides Capt. Eaton, the adjutant Gen'l & Secre-
i82 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [u Oct.
tary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, the Post
Master General, Maj'r Graham of Tennessee, & my
Private Secretary were present in my ofhce while
the official report from Gen'l Taylor was reading.
Some opinions were expressed, but disapproving of
the armistice I remained silent and was careful to
express no opinion, except to regret the loss of the
brave officers and men who had fallen and to say that
they had fought bravely. The Adjutant Gen'l
seemed anxious to justify Gen'l Taylor for having
entered into the armistice. I expressed my disap-
probation of it to the Secretary of War aside, & he
agreed with me. Mr. Ritchie came in after the
papers were read. When the Gentlemen were re-
tiring I requested the members of the Cabinet to meet
me at my office on to-morrow at 1 1 O'Clock at which
hour a special meeting of the Cabinet I informed
them would be held.
After they had retired Mr. Buchanan called, &
condemned Gen'l Taylor in strong terms for having
entered into the armistice. I informed him that
there would be a meeting of the Cabinet on to-mor-
row at 1 1 O'clock.
I received to-night interesting letters from Brig-
adier General Shields, commanding the Brigade of
Volunteers from Illinois now on the Rio Grande, in
relation to an expedition to Tampico. These letters
I will preserve. There is a remarkable coincidence
between the views which they present & the orders
which were issued here on the 22nd ultimo ordering
an expedition upon the Department of Tamaulipas
including Tampico.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 183
Monday, 12th October, 1846. — I gave orders to
my porter this morning that I would see no company
to-day. I carefully examined the correspondence
between Gen'l Taylor & the War Department since
the commencement of hostilities with Mexico. At
II O'clock A. M. the Cabinet met, the Secretary of
the Treasury being still absent in New York. What
detains him so long I cannot imagine.
Gen'l Taylor's despatches from Monterey re-
ceived last night were read in Cabinet. They were
fully considered and discussed. The Cabinet were
unanimous in the opinion, judging from all the in-
formation which Gen'l Taylor had communicated,
that he had committed a great error in granting the
terms of capitulation to the enemy which he had, and
in agreeing to an armistice for the term of 8 weeks.
But two reasons could have justified the terms
granted to the enemy in the capitulation. The first
is, if he believed that he could not capture them; &
the 2nd. is, that Gen'l Ampudia may have induced
him to believe that in consequence of the recent
change of rulers in Mexico that Government was
disposed to make peace. If the first reason existed
Gen'l Taylor has not stated it in his despatches, and
we have no information to justify the existence of
this reason, though it may have existed. If the sec-
ond reason was the one upon which he acted, then
Gen'l Ampudia has overreached & deceived him.
From all that appears in Gen'l Taylor's despatches
it would seem that the U. S. Army had been suc-
cessful during more than three days fighting, and
had taken & held nearly all the strong positions of
i84 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [12 Oct.
the enemy, and by prosecuting their successes a lit-
tle longer might have captured the whole Mexican
army. Gen'l Taylor in his despatches states nothing
of what Gen'l Ampudia had assured him of the dis-
positions of the Mexican Government for peace, but
makes a general allusion to that point. The Cabinet
were united in the opinion that the reasons assigned
by Gen'l Taylor (as far as any reasons are assigned)
for granting the terms of capitulation he did and for
granting the armistice of eight weeks, are not satis-
factory. Further information and explanations may
be hereafter given by him. The Cabinet were
united in the opinion that if Gen'l Taylor had cap-
tured the Mexican army, deprived them of their
arms, and discharged them upon their parole of hon-
our not to bear arms during the war or until they
were regularly exchanged, that it would have prob-
ably ended the war with Mexico. As it is, he has
permitted them to retire from Monterey, each officer
and soldier with his arms, and with 6 pieces of artil-
lery, not as prisoners of war on parole, but at perfect
liberty to reorganize and renew the war at their own
time and place, and by granting the armistice has
given them 8 weeks to effect this object.
It was agreed unanimously that orders should be
forthwith sent to Gen'l Taylor to terminate the
armistice to which he had agreed, and to prosecute
the war with energy and vigor. It was agreed that
this should be done in terms neither to approve or
condemn his conduct in granting the capitulation
and the armistice. All agreed that the officers &
men had fought gallantly and deserved the thanks
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 185
of the country, but regretted that the victory had not
been crowned by the capture of the enemy's army.
All agreed also that at the same time that the Secre-
tary of War in his letter should not express appro-
bation of Gen'l Taylor's course, he should not con-
demn it. This question was reserved until further
information or explanations were received from
Gen'l Taylor. From the order to terminate the
armistice Gen'l T. will of course infer that that part
of his course is not approved.
Some views in addition to those contained in the
order to Gen'l Taylor of the 22nd. ultimo in relation
to an expedition to Tampico and through the De-
partment of Tamaulipas were considered and agreed
upon, and that they should be embraced in the letter
of the Secretary of War to be written to Gen'l T.
The Cabinet adjourned with the understanding
that they should meet again at 9 O'Clock to-night to
hear the letter of the Secretary of War to Gen'l Tay-
lor in reply to his despatches received last night,
which he said he would return immediately to his
office & prepare.
Mr. Buchanan called at the appointed hour (9
O'clock P. M.) but no other member of the Cabinet
being in attendance he retired.
Maj'r Daniel Graham of Tennessee and his wife
took a family dinner with me to-day, and after din-
ner took leave of the family, intending as they stated
to leave the City on to-morrow morning for home.
They will travel to Tennessee by the Southern route,
via Charleston, S. Carolina.
i86 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [13 Oct.
Tuesday, 13th October, 1846.— TWi^ being Cab-
inet day, all the members attended at the usual hour
except The Secretary of the Treasury, who is still ab-
sent in New York. I am wholly at a loss to know
what detains him so long.
The Secretary of War read the draft of a letter to
Gen'l Taylor which he had prepared in answer to
his letters giving an account of the attack on Monte-
rey. This letter was critically and carefully exam-
ined. Several modifications were made at my sug-
gestion, & others at the suggestion of Mr. Buchanan
and Mr. Mason. The letter was finally unanimously
agreed upon. In the present state of the war with
Mexico, it is a very important letter. I have no
copy of it, but it may be found on the records of the
War Department. The Cabinet adjourned about 2
O'clock P. M.
This was reception evening, there had been rain &
a strong wind almost the whole day; the evening was
unpleasant and but a few gentlemen called. There
were no ladies.
Wednesday, 14th October, 1846.— Col. Medill,
the commissioner of Indian afifairs, called this morn-
ing and informed me that a Treaty had been con-
cluded and signed by the commissioners appointed by
me, viz., Judge Paris, Col. Abert, & Maj'r Andrews,
with a delegation of Head-men and Chiefs of the
Winnebagoe Tribe of Indians now in this City, by
which they agreed to cede the country which they
now occupy in the Territory of Iowa to the U. S.
He read to me the Treaty. It had been made in pur-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 187
suance of instructions & I approved it. At 12
O'clock the Indians called accompanied by the U. S.
agent & the commissioner of Indian afifairs. The
Secretary of War & the commissioners who had nego-
tiated the Treaty were also present. I held a talk
with the Indians, in which I impressed upon them the
duty as well as the importance of their remaining at
peace with the U. S. They appeared to be in a fine
humour and well pleased with the Treaty. I then
presented to the brother of Wee-no-Shick, Head
chief of the Winnebagoes, a fine double-barrelled
gun to take to his brother as a present, in return for
the Pipe which he had sent to me and which had
been presented to me by his brother on the 28th
ultimo (see this diary of that day). After some
further conversation with them they took leave,
apparently well pleased. Before they left I told
them that the commissioner of Indian affairs would
furnish their agent (Gen'l Fletcher) with $500. to
purchase presents for them.
After the Indians left I was occupied for more
than an hour by the Rev'd Wm. L. McCalla ^ of the
Presbyterian church, & brother of the 2nd Auditor
of the Treasury. His ostensible object was to be ap-
pointed a chaplain in the army. I found him to
be a fanatic, proscriptive in his religious opinions,
and most unreasonable. He read to me a number
of letters addressed to me (but which he did not
deliver to me) from persons in Philadelphia, &
among others from Mr. Dallas, Judge Kane, & Mr.
^William Latta IMcCalla, 1 788-1 859, a Presbyterian minister
of Philadelphia, author of Adventures in Texas.
i88 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [14 Oct.
Leiper, giving him a good character and recom-
mending him for a chaplaincy. He read also a
most intemperate & violent petition which had been
written and signed in a blank book, purporting to
be addressed to me, but which he did not offer to
deliver to me. His petition was a violent & most
intolerant attack on the Roman Catholics & a cen-
sure on the administration for employing, as it rep-
resented, two or three Roman Catholic Priests with
the army in Mexico as chaplains. The prominent
idea, aside from its abuse of Catholics & its fanati-
cism, was that unless I appointed the Rev'd Mr.
McCalla a chaplain, the petitioners intended to go
before the public & attack the administration upon
religious grounds because of the employment of
these Catholic Priests. I felt great contempt for
Mr. McCalla and for his religion and gave him my
mind freely. I told him that, thank God, under our
constitution there was no connection between Church
and State, and that in my action as President of the
U. S. I recognized no distinction of creeds in my
appointments to ofhce. I told him that his position
[petition] was false, and that before he had writ-
ten it & caused it to be signed he ought, as a man
of God as he professed to be, to have ascertained the
facts better. He attempted to explain the petition
and denied that it was intended as an attack on the
administration; to which I replied that its plain lan-
guage was not susceptible of the explanation which
he gave. I then stated to him how it happened that
two or three Catholic Priests had been employed
with the army. I told him it was known that Mex-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 189
ico was a Catholic country, that their Priests had
great influence over that ignorant people, and that
they would probably deceive them by representing
that the U. S. was waging war against them to over-
turn their religion, and that if they succeeded in
imposing such a falsehood as this upon the people
of Mexico they would infuriate them and induce
them to carry on a desperate and more sanguinary
war against our army, and that to undeceive the
Mexicans two or three Catholic Priests who spoke
their language, it was thought, would be useful with
the army. I told him that these were the reasons
and these alone which induced their employment.
I told him that Col. Benton and other members of
Congress who were well acquainted with the Mexi-
can people had advised their employment for these
reasons. I told him that they were not chaplains,
that there was no law authorizing the appointment
of chaplains for the army, but that they were em-
ployees, such as armies often require, who had been
sent out for the purposes stated. I told him fur-
ther that in the Navy, where Chaplains were au-
thorized by law, I had appointed several since I
came into office, without regard to the sects of re-
ligion to which they belonged, and that I had ap-
pointed no Catholic Priests. He intimated that he
wished to have an appointment of Chaplain in the
Navy. I told him there was one vacancy, but that
I expected to fill it by the appointment of some pious
good Clergyman of some one of the religious denomi-
nations residing in Ohio or some one of the Western
States, from which section of the Union no Chap-
190 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [14 Oct.
lain in the Navy, I believed, had ever been taken.
I could not resist the conclusion that one of two
things was true; either that Mr. McCalla expected
to alarm me into his appointment to avoid an attack
before the public from him, or that he hoped to be
refused so as to give him a pretext to make such at-
tack. If either was true I had great contempt for
him, and I gave him distinctly to understand that
I would not appoint him. I told him that if I were
to appoint a chaplain of his own denomination, &
I might do so for aught I knew, that if he really
desired the place that I supposed he would still be
infuriated. I told him I had appointed his brother
2nd Auditor and that he was among the last men
who should be engaged in such a business. He de-
nied any intention to attack the administration. I
consider him either a knave without vital religion
or a fanatic without reason. I have met with no
man during my administration, among the numer-
ous office-seekers who have beset me, for whom I
have so profound a contempt. To attempt to con-
nect me with religious feuds between sects, either
for the purpose of coercing me to give him an office
or to give him a pretext to attack me upon affected
or pretended religious grounds if I did not, proves
him to be a man destitute of both religion and prin-
ciple. He delivered to me none of the letters or the
petition which he read, & after interrupting me from
my business for more than an hour he retired, &
I was glad to be rid of him. I have a great venera-
tion and regard for Religion & sincere piety, but a
hypocrite or a bigotted fanatic without reason I can-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 191
not bear. Whether he be the one or the other, his
God alone is competent to judge. He has not suc-
ceeded in getting the office & 1 shall not be surprised
to be assailed & slandered by him in the newspapers.
Thursday, ISth October, 1846. — I received this
morning a letter from the Hon. Nathan Clifford of
Maine, accepting the office of Attorney General of
the United States in place of Mr. Mason resigned,
which I had tendered to him in a letter addressed
to him on the 30th ultimo. Mr. Clifford states in
his letter of acceptance that he will be in Washing-
ton in a day or two after his letter would reach me,
ready to enter upon the duties of the office. He
may therefore be expected in a day or two.
I received company to-day at 12 O'Clock. Quite
a number of persons called, some on visits of cere-
mony and others on business & seeking office. I
transacted business to-day with the Secretaries of
State and the Navy. About 4 O'Clock P. M. while
at dinner my porter announced to me that Mr.
Walker, the Secretary of the Treasury, had called,
but finding me at dinner would call again. Mr.
Walker left Washington on the 30th ultimo for
New York (see this diary of the ist Instant) and
did not return until to-day. What detained him so
long I am wholly at a loss to know. He may ex-
plain the cause of his long and unexpected absence
when I see him.
Received a note this afternoon from Mr. Cramp-
ton,^ Secretary of the Brittish Legation, announcing
^ John F. T. Crampton, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
192 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i6 Oct.
to me the death in Washington on the 13th Instant
of Henry Stephen Fox, late Her Brittanic Maj-
esty's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipo-
tentiary to the United States, and that his funeral
will take place on to-morrow at 1 1 O'Clock.
Friday, 16th October, 1846.— Mr. Robert J.
Walker, the Secretary of the Treasury, called this
morning, having been absent from the City on a visit
to New York since the 30th ultimo (see this diary of
the ist Instant) . He reported to me that he had con-
cluded no arrangement for a loan, that having been
the object of his visit. The banks & capitalists in-
sisted on terms to which he would not exceed [ac-
cede]. He now proposes to issue Treasury notes to
the public creditors bearing an interest of 5 2-5 per
cent. The subject will be considered in Cabinet on
to-morrow.
At II O'clock to-day accompanied by my Pri-
vate Secretary and my Cabinet, except the Secre-
tary of the Treasury, I attended at his residence the
funeral of Henry Stephen Fox, late her Brittanic
Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Pleni-
potentiary to the United States, who died at Wash-
ington on the 13th Instant. I directed my coach-
man to turn out of the procession as it passed the
President's mansion. The carriages of my Cabinet
proceeded in the procession. I devoted the remain-
Plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the United States 1 852-1 856.
He was given his passports by the American Government in May,
1856, because of his course in enlisting recruits for the Crimean
War.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 193
der of the day to the business on my table. I wrote
some paragraphs for my message at the meeting of
Congress in December next. My Private Secretary
reported to me to-night that he had seen the name
of the Hon. Nathan Clifford, to whom I had ten-
dered the office of Attorney General of the U. States,
on the Register at Coleman's Hotel this evening.
On enquiring of my porter I learned that Mr. Clif-
ford called during my absence to-day, while attend-
ing the funeral of Mr. Fox, and that he had told
him that I would receive company this evening.
This was reception evening. Several persons, la-
dies & Gentlemen, called.
Saturday, I'/th October, 1846. — The Hon.
Nathan Clifford of the State of Maine, to whom I
had tendered the office of Attorney General of the
United States, called this morning. I handed to him
a letter which 1 had addressed to him enclosing a
copy of a letter which I had addressed to each mem-
ber of my Cabinet in March, 1845, when I was about
to organize my administration (see letter Book). I
had a conversation of some length with Mr. Clif-
ford. I addressed a note to the State Department,
directing a commission for Mr. Clifford as Atto.
Gen'l of the U. S. to [be] prepared. The commis-
sion was sent to me as directed, when I signed it
and delivered it to him.
This being Cabinet day I invited Mr. Clifford,
though he had not taken the oath of office, to remain
with me in Cabinet during the meeting to-day, &
he did so.
194 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [ 17 Oct.
The Cabinet met at the usual hour, all the mem-
bers present. It is the first occasion on which I
have had a full attendance of the Cabinet since the
adjournment of Congress, on the loth day of August
last.
After attending to various matters of minor im-
portance I called on the Secretary of the Treasury
to Report the result of his late attempt to negotiate
a loan in New York. He made a detailed statement
of his attempt to negotiate the loan, the result of
which was, that not being able to agree upon the
terms he had returned without effecting the loan.
The mode of effecting [it] became the subject of
consideration and discussion. The Secretary of the
Treasury at first inclined to the opinion that Treas-
ury notes bearing an interest of 5 2-5 per cent should
be issued, and paid to the public creditors as the pub-
lic exigencies should require. The objection stated
to this mode by Mr. Buchanan was that the Treas-
ury notes thus issued would be subject to be con-
stantly returned to the Treasury in payment of public
dues. Mr. Buchanan proposed that a loan of four
or five millions of Dollars should be made by the
issue of Treasury notes to that amount bearing an
interest of 6 pr Ct., upon condition that these notes
should not be returned to the Treasury by paying
them for public dues, for one year after their issu-
ance. This proposition was the subject of some
conversation, in which the Secretary of War and the
Secretary of the Navy agreed with Mr. Buchanan
and expressed their approbation of it. The P. M.
Gen'l expressed no opinion. The Secretary of the
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 19S
Treasury yielded his own suggestion and said that
perhaps the plan proposed by Mr. Buchanan would
[be] less embarrassing to the Treasury than his own.
Indeed he gave his full assent to it, and expressed
a confidence that he could obtain the loan upon these
terms from the Banks and Capitalists in New York.
I then told him that as he was more immediately
responsible than any other member of the adminis-
tration, he could negotiate the loan in this mode if
he chose. The Secretary of the Treasury then said
that he would take immediate steps to effect the loan
in this mode.
No other business of much importance was trans-
acted.
Mr. Dimond, late U. S. consul at Vera Cruz,
called this morning. Mr. Dimond was invited to
visit Washington in a letter addressed to him by Mr.
Buchanan on the loth Instant (see this diary of that
day) for the purpose of obtaining from him infor-
mation of the topography of the country around the
City of Vera Cruz, and the practicability of land-
ing a force near that City, so as to invest it in the
rear. Mr. Dimond at my request remained in my
Private Secretary's office until after the Cabinet ad-
journed. I then invited him into my office, the Sec-
retary of State and the Secretary of war remain-
ing. I told Mr. Dimond that our interview with
him must be regarded as strictly confidential, to
which he assented. Mr. Dimond, the object of the
interview having been explained to him, then stated
that it was perfectly practicable to land a military
force at Sacraficias, about 4 miles from Vera Cruz
196 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [17 Oct.
and out of reach of the guns of the Castle. He
made a rough diagram representing the position of
the Castle, the City, Sacrificias, the place of landing
of troops, and gave much other valuable informa-
tion. I then requested him to call again at 7
O'clock P. M., and in the mean-time to make a more
perfect diagram. I requested the Secretary of War
to attend at that hour and to bring Gen'l Tomson,
an officer of experience, with him. I requested my
Private Secretary to call on the Secretary of the
Navy and ask him to attend at the same hour and
bring with him Commodore Warrington of the
Navy. I requested the Secretary of State also to
attend.
At the appointed hour, 7 O'Clock P. M., The Sec-
retary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, the Sec-
retary of State, Mr. Dimond, Gen'l Tomson, & Com-
modore Warrington attended. Mr. Dimond ex-
hibited the rough diagram which he had prepared
of the City of Vera Cruz and its defences, the Castle,
the position of the Navy at Sacraficias, the place of
landing, &c., and gave verbal explanations. From
these explanations all present agreed that it was
practicable to take Vera Cruz with a force of 3 or
4 thousand men, to be landed and to invest it in
the rear, whilst the Navy should keep up a strict
blockade by sea, and threaten or attack the Castle.
After a consultation of near two hours on the sub-
ject the gentlemen present retired, but before they
did so I enjoined secrecy on all present, stating to
them that if such an expedition should be under-
taken it was of the greatest importance that it should
1846J JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 197
be concealed from the enemy. Mr. Dimond was
requested to prepare a written explanation of the
rough diagram he had drawn & to reduce to writing
the information he had given. Commodore War-
rington was requested to prepare a more perfect dia-
gram from the information given by Mr. Dimond;
and Gen'l Tomson was requested to designate the
troops which could be spared for the expedition.
Sunday, l8th October, 1846. — Attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day in company with Mrs.
Polk.
At dark this evening Gen'l Tomson called with
a written memorandum of the force which in his
judgment would be sufficient for the expedition
against Vera Cruz, as I had requested him to do
in my interview with him on last evening (see this
diary of yesterday). Gen'l Tomson intimated a de-
sire to be ordered to take part in the contemplated
expedition against Vera Cruz, to which I gave him
no answer.
Monday, igth October, 1846. — Monday is
usually a busy day, as I have generally more calls on
that than on any other day of the week. It was so to-
day. At 12 O'clock M, when I opened my office,
I had a large number of visitors, and among them
a woman from Fredericksburg, Va., in appearance
and dress a lady, begging money. I gave her a small
sum, though I doubt whether she was w^orthy of it.
I transacted business at different periods of the
day with the Secretaries of State, Treasury, War, &
ipS JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 Oct.
Navy. I disposed of much business on my table,
but nothing worthy of note took place.
Tuesday, 20th October, 1846.— The Cabinet met
at the usual hour this morning (11 O'Clock A. M.)
all the members present. After the transaction of
some other business I brought before the Cabinet the
subject of the Mexican War and the manner of con-
ducting it, & stated to them that it became necessary
to decide the very important question whether Gen'l
Taylor should advance with the main column of the
army further into the interior of Mexico than Mon-
terey where he now is, or whether he should hold
& fortify that position and also hold the adjacent
Northern Provinces, and send a part of his force to
cooperate with the expedition ordered on the 22nd
ultimo to invade Tamaulipas and by a combined
operation of the Navy and the army to take Tampico
and, if practicable. Vera Cruz. The subject was
fully discussed, and the Cabinet were unanimously
of opinion that under existing circumstances Gen'l
Taylor should not advance beyond Monterey and
the positions necessary to secure that City and the
Department of New Leon of which it is the Capital.
The reasons for this were numerous, among the most
prominent of which were, that it was now ascer-
tained that the population of that part of the Mexi-
can territory were very hostile to the U. S.; that
Gen'l Ampudia, by the terms of the capitulation of
Monterey on the 24th ult, had been permitted to
retire with a force estimated from 7 to 1 1 Thousand
men, with their arms in their hands; that since that
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 199
time Gen'l Sa[n]ta anna in his letter to Gen'l Al-
monte of the 14th ultimo announced his purpose to
place himself at the head of a large army which
would undoubtedly unite with Ampudia's forces,
and that thus united the Mexican army would prob-
ably number four or five times Gen'l Taylor's forces;
that it was to be apprehended that the population
beyond Monterey would be hostile, and there was no
assurance that Gen'l Taylor could procure supplies
for his army, or keep open the long line to Carmargo
in his rear. Another reason was that there was no
object to be attained by advancing further in that
direction towards the attainment of peace. It was
deemed best for Gen'l Taylor to stop at Monterey,
& indeed such seemed to be his own opinion in his
letters to the War Dep't of the 2nd July & ist of
August last, which were read in Cabinet. This
point being settled it was agreed that a special mes-
senger should be sent with dispatches to Gen'l Tay-
lor to that effect. It was agreed also that Gen'l
Taylor should be authorized to stop Gen'l Wool's
expedition to Chihuahua, if he deemed it proper to
do so. At the time Gen'l Wool was ordered to Chi-
huahua the general belief was that that Department
was inimical to the Central Government of Mexico
and would be disposed to dissolve its connection with
it. Since that time, however, Paredes had been de-
posed, and declared in favour of restoring the con-
federation of 1824, and our information now is that
the people of Chihuahua arc favourable to that plan,
and would probably be as hostile to the U. S. as the
people of Monterey or any other part of the Mexi-
200 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 Oct.
can Republic. This and other subsequent events
have rendered the objects expected to be attained by
the expedition to Chihuahua less certain, & indeed
comparatively unimportant. Moreover the contem-
plated expedition to Tampico and Vera Cruz is re-
garded as much more important. It w^as agreed
therefore to leave it to Gen'l Taylor's discretion to
order Gen'l Wool to abandon the Chihuahua expedi-
tion and join the main army, as this would enable
Gen'l T. to spare 2000 additional troops or more for
the Tampico and Vera Cruz expedition.
Rob't M. McLane, Esq'r., of Baltimore, having
tendered his services a few days ago to bear de-
spatches to the army, or to serve in any capacity it
might be desired, it was agreed that he should bear
the despatches. The Secretary of War said he could
in the course of to-morrow have the despatches pre-
pared. I wrote a note to Mr. McLane and re-
quested him to come to Washington to-night or
to-morrow morning. My object was to put Mr. Mc-
Lane fully in possession of all our views, that he
might communicate them to Gen'l Taylor more
fully than they could be expressed in writing. Mr.
McLane is a graduate of West Point, was many
years in the army, and is a very intelligent gentleman.
His mission to the army will be more important than
as the mere bearer of despatches.
The subject of the loan was further discussed, and
the Secretary of the Treasury having concluded no
definite arrangement, I expressed the opinion which I
entertained that he should at once issue & pay out to
the public creditors, or to capitalists who would ad-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 201
vance the specie for them, Treasury notes bearing
an interest of 5 2-5 per cent. I told him, however,
that as he was more immediately responsible I would
not direct him. He inclined to adopt the course
which I recommended, but did not definitely decide.
The Cabinet after a long sitting adjourned at 3
O'clock P. M.
During the sitting of the Cabinet an incident oc-
curred, which though not important, it may be
proper to note. Mr. Buchanan handed to me a let-
ter addressed to him by a man, if I remember the
name correctly, named Lescure,^ complaining that
Mr. Peacock, Post Master at Harrisburg, Penn., had
not been removed & Mr. McKinley, the Editor of
the paper called the Democratic Union, or Harris-
burg Union, appointed. I read the letter & with-
out any remark handed it back to Mr. Buchanan.
Mr. Buchanan had several times within the last few
months insisted upon me to remove Mr. Peacock,
the Present P. M., and appoint Mr. McKinley.
Mr. Peacock was admitted to be a Democrat and to
have discharged his duties, and his removal was in-
sisted on on the ground that he had held the office for
more than 20 years. I had several times told Mr.
Buchanan that I would not remove one democrat to
appoint another, and had refused to accede to his
wishes. To-day it seems he desired to bring me to
a final decision, and some time after I had read the
letter alluded to and handed it back to him, he spoke
to me aside, or rather in a tone not intended to be
^ McKinley and Lescure were the publishers of the Democratic
Union of Harrisburg.
202 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [21 dfcx.
heard by the other gentlemen, and asked me what
he should write in answer to his correspondent. I
told him that I had not changed my opinion, and
that I should not remove Mr. Peacock. I told him
also that if I were to remove him that I would not
feel inclined to appoint Mr. McKinley, because in
his paper during the late election in Pennsylvania
he had violently opposed that great measure of my
administration, the modification of the tariff by the
act of 1846. I told Mr. Buchanan that he had no
claims to be rewarded by me for opposing this lead-
ing measure of my administration. To this Mr.
Buchanan replied that he had not been in the habit
of reading his paper. In the early part of my ad-
ministration I removed some democrats from office
to make places for others, and did this in many
instances at the urgent request of Mr. Buchanan. I
am now satisfied that [I] ought not to have done so,
and that my administration was greatly weakened by
it. The truth is that Mr. Buchanan, I am satisfied,
is governed more by his feelings and personal friend-
ships than by his judgement in such matters. He
was evidently dissatisfied with my determination in
this case, but I am sure I am right.
This was reception evening. Twenty or thirty
persons, ladies and gentlemen, called.
Wednesday, 21st October, 1846. — Before 12
O'clock, the hour at which I open my office, I was
a good deal disturbed by persons calling & sending in
their cards asking the favour of personal interviews.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 203
They were such persons as I could not well refuse
to see. Their business was of no sort of consequence,
and only had the efifect to consume my time without
profit to them or to myself. At 12 O'Clock when
I opened my office an unusual number of persons
called, chiefly office seekers, and among them one
or two who have been occasionally annoying me for
the last 18 months. I had no offices to give them,
& gave them my prompt answer to that effect.
The Secretary of War called & left with me the
rough draft of a letter he had written to Gen'l Tay-
lor in pursuance of the decision of the Cabinet on
yesterday. He left it with me for rhy revision.
Shortly after he left the Secretary of the Navy called
on business. After transacting it I requested him
to examine the draft of the letter of the Secretary of
War with me. He did so & we noted in pencil sev-
eral modifications of the letter. At my request the
Secretary of the Navy took the letter, with the modi-
fications suggested, and said he w^ould see the Sec-
retary of War & examine it with him.
I attended to-day to several matters of business of
minor importance on my table, though I was much
interrupted by frequent calls.
Rob't M. McLane, Esq'r., of Baltimore, to whom
I had written on yesterday called to-night, and in-
formed me that he had received my letter & was
ready to proceed to the army in Mexico as bearer of
despatches. I then informed him confidentially of
the views of the Government, which he would bear
to Gen'l Taylor.
204 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [22 Oct.
Thursday, 22nd October, 1846. — I called a
special meeting of the Cabinet for 1 1 O'Clock A. M.
to-day. At that hour all the members of the Cabi-
net attended. The Secretary of War read the letter
which he had prepared to Gen'l Taylor in pursu-
ance of the decision of the Cabinet on the 20th
Instant (see this diary of that day) . It was fully con-
sidered paragraph by paragraph, and after under-
going various modifications was unanimously agreed
to. It was a matter of so much importance that I
was particular to take the opinion of each member
of the Cabinet individually, commencing with the
Attorney General. The subject was under con-
sideration for more than two hours. I refer to the
letter itself, which will be recorded in the War De-
partment. The Secretary of War inquired of me
if he ought not to inform Gen'l Scott of it, and to
read the letter to him. I told him he ought to do
so, but to enjoin the strictest secrecy on him as to
its contents. Mr. Robert M. McLane, who had
been selected to bear the letter to Gen'l Taylor, being
in my Private Secretary's office, I asked the Cabinet
if it should not be read to him under a strict injunc-
tion of confidence. All agreed that it would be
proper to do so. The Secretary of War & the Sec-
retary of State and myself then walked into my Pri-
vate Secretary's office where Mr. McLane [was]
and the letter was read to him by Mr. Buchanan.
We held a conversation with Mr. McLane and gave
him our views fully but in confidence. This was
done to enable Mr. McLane to confer the more un-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 205
derstandingly with Gen'l Taylor when he reached
his camp.
The Secretary of the Treasury informed me to-
day that he had made up his mind to issue Treasury
notes bearing an interest of 5 2-5ths per cent, not ex-
ceeding in amt. Four million of Dollars. He ad-
dressed a communication to me stating that the
public exigencies required a loan of this amount, &
that in his opinion the issue of Treasury notes bear-
ing that interest would be the best mode of obtaining
it. I approved his suggestion & gave authority for
the issue of the notes accordingly.
At 8 O'clock to-night The Secretary of War
called with his despatch to Gen'l Taylor copied and
signed. Mr. McLane was also present. We had a
full conversation in relation to the despatch and its
objects. The Secretary of War stated that he had
communicated its objects and contents to Gen'l
Scott, who had interposed objections to the contem-
plated Vera Cruz expedition; that he had expressed
a desire to command the expedition himself but
thought twenty five or [thirty?] thousand men were
necessary before it could be undertaken with safety.
I told the Secretary that after Gen'l Scott's letter
in May or June last,^ I was unwilling to assign him
to the command, and that I considered his objections
as intended to embarrass the administration. The
despatches were delivered to Mr. McLane. I wrote
also private & unofficial letters to Maj'r Gen'l Pat-
terson & Brigadier Gen'l Pillow (see letter Book)
^ See Diary entry for May 21, 1846.
2o6 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [23 Oct.
which I delivered to Mr. McLane. The Secretary
of War & Mr. McLane retired about 10 O'Clock
P. M., and I retired to rest.
To-day the Rev. Mr. Sprole & the Rev. John C.
Smith of the Presbyterian church, and the Rev. Mr.
Slicer of the methodist church, the Rev. Mr. Samp-
son of the Baptist church, and the wives of Mr.
Smith and Mr. Sampson dined with me. The wives
of Mr. Sprole & Mr. Slicer were also invited, but
did not attend. The Rev. Mr. Morgan & his wife
of the methodist church were invited, but did not
attend.
Friday, 2jrd October, 1846. — I devoted the
morning to writing some paragraphs of my annual
Message. At 12 O'Clock I opened my office for the
reception of visitors. Quite a number of persons
called, but nothing of much interest occurred.
Among others the Hon Mr. Sawyer of Ohio, a rep-
resentative in Congress, called. He said he was on
a visit of business to the neighborhood of the City,
and had merely called to pay his respects. He ap-
peared to be in a much better humour than when
Congress adjourned. He informed me that my ad-
ministration was never stronger in Ohio than it was
at present; that the tariff of 1846 was approved and
sustained by the whole Democratic party of that
State, & that he did not believe that my veto on the
Harbour & River Bill had lost the Democracy a
single vote in the State.
Mr. Buchanan called and informed me that the
Hon. Charles J. Ingersoll of Phila. was in the City,
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 207
and had asked him to request me to return to him his
letter to me desiring to know whether I intended to
appoint him as minister to France. Mr. Buchanan
had informed me some days ago that Mr. Ingersoll
was offended because I had not answered his letter,
and when I was informed by Mr. B. that he wished
it to be returned to him the impression on my mind
was that he had come to Washington in a spirit of
hostility, and intended to make an issue with me be-
cause I had not promised to appoint him Minister
to France. I so expressed myself to Mr. Buchanan
& told him if Mr. Ingersoll intended to make such
an issue that I was perfectly indifferent about it, and
that he might take his own course. I told him that
I intended to be respected as President of the U.
States, & that Mr. Ingersoll need not think to coerce
me into a compliance with his wishes by appointing
him Minister to France, by such an apparent course
of his intended hostility to my administration. I
spoke in strong terms and perhaps in terms of rash-
ness of Mr. Ingersoll, if such was his intention.
Mr. Buchanan informed me that he had explained
to Mr. Ingersoll the reasons which had prevented
me from answering his letter, and that he was in a
good humour, and wanted his letter because he did
not wish it to appear of record that he had applied
to me for the mission to France. I then told Mr.
Buchanan that I would search for his letter and send
it to him, Mr. B., to be delivered by him to Mr.
Ingersoll. I searched for and found the letter after
Mr. Buchanan left, and enclosed it to Mr. Buchanan
inclosed in a note to him (see letter Book of this
2o8 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [24 Oct.
date). The letter of Mr. IngersoU was dated on
the 1 8th of August last. I left Washington on a
short excursion to Old Point Comfort on the 19th
of August and returned on the evening of the 25th
of that month, & Mr. IngersoU's letter arrived in
my absence, and was not answered, for the reason
stated in my note to Mr. Buchanan of this date.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons, ladies and gentlemen, called, and among others
Mr. Buchanan & Mr. C. J. IngersoU. I received
and treated Mr. IngersoU courteously, as I do all
persons who call, but no reference was made to his
application to me to be appointed Minister to
France, or to his letter which he had requested,
through Mr. Buchanan, to be returned to him. I
told Mr. Buchanan in the course of my conversation
with him to-day, that Mr. C. J. IngersoU's hostile
position at present was a poor requital to me for my
offer to nominate him to the Senate as minister to
Russia.
»
Saturday, 24th October, 1846. — This was the
regular day for the meeting of the Cabinet, and at 11
O'clock A. M. all the members attended except the
Secretary of War, who informed [me] last evening
that he would go to Baltimore last night, where he
expected to meet Mrs. Marcy on her return from
New York to Washington.
Several public matters were the subject of con-
versation, but nothing important occurred. The
Cabinet after remaining together one or two hours
retired.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 209
Sunday, 23th October, 1846. — Attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day accompanied by Mrs.
Polk, her niece. Miss Rucker, and Mrs. J. Knox
Walker and her little girl Maria.
Rec'd to-night important despatches from our
squadron in the Pacific. The Secretary of the
Navy called with them.
Monday, 26th October, 1846.— I sent for the
Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy this
morning and had a conversation with them in regard
to the Mexican War. Among other things it was
resolved to order one of the Steamers of the squadron
to make weekly voyages between Vera Cruz and the
Brasos Santiago, so as to keep up a regular com-
munication between the Navy and Army. It was
resolved also that Col. Mason ^ of the army, now at
New York, should be ordered forthwith to Cali-
fornia, to take command of the land forces in that
quarter until Gen'l Kearney arrived. He will pro-
ceed by the way of Chagres. I saw the Secretary of
State and handed to him the paragraphs which I
had written in relation to the Mexican war and the
causes of it, which were designed for my next an-
nual message. He took them and promised to [sub-
mit] such views as he might think were proper.
His views or draft when presented will of course be
subject to my revision. I think it prudent to be pre-
paring to meet Congress before my time shall be
too much occupied, and therefore at my leisure mo-
^ Richard B. Mason, Colonel of the First Dragoons, commander
in California and ex officio Governor 1847-1848.
210 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [27 Oct.
ments I write such paragraphs for the message as
occur to me.
Saw company at 12 O'Clock to-day. The com-
pany that called were generally persons of respect-
able appearance, and desired simply to pay their re-
spects. Two women called begging money. A few
office seekers also called, but I gave them no en-
couragement.
After night the Secretary of the Navy and the
Secretary of War called. The Secretary of the
Navy read to me a despatch which he had prepared
to Commodore Conner commanding the Gulf Squad-
ron. We had some conversation in relation to the
operations of the army and navy in the Mexican
war; and they retired about 9 O'Clock P.M.
Tuesday, 27th October, 1846. — This being the
regular day for the meeting of the Cabinet, all the
members attended at the usual hour. Various pub-
lic matters were the subject of conversation, but none
of much importance.
The Cabinet retired about i O'Clock P. M. I
was engaged in disposing of the business on my table
during the remainder of the day.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons called, ladies and gentlemen.
Wednesday, 28th October, 1846. — I desired to
be alone to-day, and so informed my porter this morn-
ing. It so happened however that I was almost
constantly occupied during the day by the calls of
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 211
officers of the Government or by persons who called
on special business and asked the favour to have an
interview with me.
The Vice President of the U. States, who came
to the City a day or two ago, called & spent an hour
or more with me.
Mr. Burke, the Commissioner of Patents, called
and informed me that he contemplated resigning his
office shortly and returning to New Hampshire, at
the urgent request of his friends in that State, for
the purpose of assuming the Editorial Department
of the New Hampshire Patriot. I did not advise
him on the subject but requested him, if he did re-
sign, to give me a few days notice of the time he
would retire, that I might select his successor.
Mr. Bodisco, the Russian Minister, called at 2
O'clock P. M. and delivered to me a letter from
his Sovereign, the Emperor, announcing the mar-
riage of his second daughter.
I wrote some paragraphs for my message this
evening.
I received by the Southern Mail to-night letters
from Quarter Master R. B. Reynolds & Brigadier
Gen'l Pillow of Tennessee, both with the army in
Mexico. The Secretary of War called and 1 read
them to him. They gave an account of great dis-
satisfaction in the army at [with] Gen'l Taylor, for
having granted the terms of capitulation he did to the
enemy at Monterey, and for some other acts indicat-
ing partiality among his offixers. These letters are
confidential & I will preserve them.
212 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [29 Oct.
Thursday, 2gth October, 1846. — Being much
engaged to-day I told my porter that I desired to
see no company. I found it impossible however to
avoid seeing a few persons who insisted to come in,
without being rude. I admitted them, and found
that they had no business of any public importance.
They took up my time about matters of their own
in which I took not the slightest interest. This is
a sort of annoyance that has become almost intol-
erable.
Mr. Calderon,^ the Spanish minister, having spent
the summer at the North, called to pay his respects.
I saw him in the parlour below stairs. He is a
pleasant gentleman. Several of the Heads of De-
partments and other officers of Government called,
with whom I transacted business. The Secretary
of War submitted to me a despatch to Gen'l Taylor
which he had prepared. The Secretary of the Navy
was present. Some amendments and alterations in
the despatch, after consultation, were made.
To-night I wrote some additional passages for my
annual message, desiring as I do as far as possible
to have it off my hands before the members of
Congress begin to assemble, when my time will
be much occupied & I will have but little time to
write.
Friday, JOth October, 1846. — I saw company at
12 O'clock to-day. A larger number than usual
called. I passed through the old scene of answering
^ Senor Angel Calderon de la Barca, minister resident of Spain
at Washington 1844-1853.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 213
the applications of office seekers. 1 had no offices for
them and made short work of it with them.
Many persons called to pay their respects, &
among others Gov. Coles/ formerly of Illinois.
Gov. C. was Mr. Madison's Private Secretary dur-
ing a part of his administration.
The Secretary of the Treasury called and in-
formed me that he apprehended that he could not
raise the amount of money needed upon the issue of
Treasury notes bearing an interest of 5 2-5ths pr. ct.
The Secretary of the Navy & Secretary of State
happened to come in on other business. The Secre-
tary of the Treasury expressed the opinion that it
would be necessary to make a funded loan. In this
I concurred, judging from his statement of the con-
dition of the Treasury and the difficulty he had ex-
perienced in raising money on Treasury notes. The
Secretary of State and Secretary of the Navy con-
curred in this opinion also. The Secretary of the
Treasury then said he would to-day advertise for a
funded loan of four or five millions of dollars, &
take the offer of the lowest bidder.
The Hon. Mr. Roberts," a Representative in
Congress from the State of Mississippi, called to-
day. He informed me that he was going North
with a part of his family & should not return to
Mississippi until after the next Session of Congress.
This was reception evening. A larger number of
persons than usual, ladies & gentlemen, attended.
^Edward Coles, 1786-1868, Governor of Illinois 1823-1826.
^ Robert W. Roberts of Delaware, removed to Mississippi and
served as Representative from that State 1843-1847.
214 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [31 Oct.
Saturday, 31 st October, 1846. — The Cabinet
met at the usual hour to-day, all the members pres-
ent. Nothing of importance was considered or de-
cided on to-day. A number of matters of detail
connected with the public service were the subject
of conversation.
The Cabinet dispersed at an earlier hour than
they usually do.
Sunday, Ist November, 1 846. — This was a wet &
stormy day. In consequence of the weather Mrs.
Polk declined attending church. We could have
gone in the carriage as we always do, and been pro-
tected from the rain; but our coachman and foot-
man must have been exposed. They had both had
attacks of intermittent bilious fever, or chills &
fever, during the fall & Mrs. Polk thought it would
be wrong to expose them. We remained quietly at
home through the day.
Monday, 2d November, 1846. — Desiring to de-
vote my time to the preparation of my message & to
the business on my table, I directed my porter this
morning to admit no visitors to-day, except officers of
Government on public business.
The Secretary of War called with Col. Mason of
the army (ist Dragoons) who had been ordered by
my direction a few days ago to proceed to Califor-
nia. I had a conversation with them in relation
to the military operations in California. One object
of ordering Col. Mason to that service was, that in
the event Gen'l Kearney should not be able to reach
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 215
California from Sante Fe this season, that Col. M.
should be first in command. I had not sufficient
confidence in Col. Stephenson of the New York
Volunteer Regiment, who had been ordered round
by sea, to entrust the command to him. Col. Mason
will proceed by way of Chagres & Panama & prob-
ably reach California by that route before Col.
Stephenson with his Regiment, who have been now
more than a month at sea, can arrive there.
Mr. Pakenham, the Brittish Minister, called to
deliver to me a letter from her Majesty, Victoria,
in answer to my letter addressed to her Majesty re-
calling Mr. McLane at his own request as Env.
Ex. & min. Plenipotentiary of the U. S. at her
Majesty's Court. I received Mr. Pakenham in the
Parlour below stairs. He was in full court Dress
attended by an Attache of legation, also in full
dress. He delivered to me the letter & retired.
A short time after Mr. Pakenham retired Mr.
Figaniere,^ the Portuguese Minister, called. I re-
ceived him also in the parlour below stairs. He was
not in full Court dress, but wore a Coat with a star
and some embroidery on it. He delivered to me a
letter from his sovereign announcing the birth of a
princess. He talked familiarly, and among other
things he said that [her] Majesty had one every
year; that she had now six or seven; and I was much
amused at the solemn account which he gave me of
one of which she had been delivered some time ago
that was still-born. He seemed to regard it as a
^ Commander de Figaniere e Morao, minister resident of Portu-
gal at Washington 1 840-1 854.
2i6 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 Nov.
great misfortune, and went almost as minutely into
the Queen's sufferings on the occasion as if he had
been the attending physician or the mid-wife. Of
course it was my duty to congratulate him on the
event which he announced, & I remarked to him that
there was no probability, I thought, of failure of
a successor of the direct line to the throne. These
ceremonies seem to be regarded as of Great impor-
tance by the Ministers of the Foreign Monarchies,
though to me they are amusing & ridiculous.
This is my birth day. According to the entry in
my father's family Bible I was born on the 2nd day
of Nov., 1795, and my mother has told me that the
event occurred as near as she could tell about 12
O'clock, Meridian, on that day. I am consequently
51 years old to-day. The last year has been one of
great anxiety and labour to me.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons, ladies and gentlemen, called.
Tuesday, 3rd November, 1846. — The Cabinet
met at the usual hour to-day, all the members present.
Many matters of minor importance were considered,
though nothing worthy to be noted. After a sitting
of one or two hours the Cabinet dispersed. I de-
voted the remainder of the day to the preparation of
my annual message.
Wednesday, 4th November, 1846. — I directed
my porter this morning to admit no company until 2
O'clock P. M., as I desired to devote my time to the
preparation of my annual message, and to disposing
of the business on my table. Some of the officers of
the Government called before that hour on business,
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 217
whom I saw. At 2 O'Clock P. M. a number of per-
sons called, chiefly ofiice-seekers, but as I had no
oflices to bestow I had a short answer for them.
Thursday, S^h November, 1846. — I instructed
my porter this morning to admit no company to-day,
as I desired to spend the day in a minute examination
of the facts which had occurred connected with the
Mexican war and the causes which led to it, with a
view to incorporate them in my annual message. I
spent the day in the examination accordingly and in
writing some paragraphs of my message.
Some officers of the Government called on busi-
ness in the course of the day, whom I saw.
Mr. Ritchie, the Editor of the Union, called and
expressed some concern at a statement which he had
seen in a letter purporting to have been written at
Washington, published in a Phila. paper, stating
that Mr. Buchanan, the Secretary of State, was pre-
paring a letter for publication on the subject of the
tariff. I told him I had heard nothing of it from
Mr. B. or from any other source, & could not believe
that he would publish such a letter without inform-
ing me of it beforehand.
After night Mr. Buchanan called & had a long
conversation with me on public afifairs. He ex-
pressed the opinion among other things that it was
the tariff of 1846 which had caused the Defeat of the
Democratic party in Pennsylvania.^ at the late elec-
^ For Buchanan's views at this time on Pennsylvania politics
and the tariff of 1846, see his letter to Henry D. Foster, November
19, 1846, in Moore, Buchanan, VII, 117.
2i8 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [6 Nov.
tion. I told him that in my next message I should
recommend to Congress not to modify or change that
act, until it could have a fair trial. The causes of
the defeat of the Democratic party in the New York
election, which had just taken place, were spoken of.
I expressed the opinion that it was attributable to the
bad faith of that portion of the Democratic party in
New York opposed personally to Gov. Wright, called
Old Hunkers. I expressed my deep regret at Gov.
Wright's defeat, and my strong condemnation of that
portion of the Democratic party who had suffered
their State factions to control them, and had voted
against him. I told him I could not regard any man
as a true democrat who had taken that course. It is
true that other causes existed in New York, such as
anti-rentism, to produce the result, but the main
cause I have no doubt was the lukewarmness and
secret opposition to Gov. Wright of that portion of
the Democratic party calling themselves Old Hunk-
ers. This faction shall hereafter receive no favours
at my hands if I know it.
Friday, 6th November, 1846, — I saw no com-
pany to-day, and devoted myself to an examination
of the Mexican question and to the preparation of my
annual message, especially that part of it which re-
lates to that subject. I saw some of the officers of
Government on public business in the course of the
day.
This was reception evening. I[t] was a gloomy,
wet to-night [evening], as it had been throughout
the day. A few persons called, ladies & gentlemen.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 219
Saturday, yth November, 1846.— TW\% morning
Senator Benton called, having returned to the City on
yesterday. He had sent to me on yesterday letters
which he had received from Col. Fremont, written
in California, and from Gen'l Kearney in command
of a division of the army, written at Santa Fe in New
Mexico. He read to me from a Mexican News-
paper printed in Spanish, translating as he read, a
report from Gen'l Castro to the Mexican Govern-
ment, giving an account of Capt. Fremont's expedi-
tion into California, and attributing to that officer
false objects and views. Col. Benton said that this
document would be published in Europe & through-
out the world, and from the false account given of
the objects of that officer's expedition would do great
injury to the United States, unless it was met & con-
tradicted in an authentic manner. For this purpose
he proposed to answer it & correct its misstatements
to me as President of the United States, over his own
name, so that in this form the refutation of Gen'l
Castro's statements might be published in the news-
papers. I told him I saw no objections to his doing
so. The Cabinet being about assembling, Mr. Bu-
chanan, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Clififord having come
in. Col. Benton retired. As he was leaving I re-
quested him to call again to-night & he said he would
do so.
All the members of the Cabinet attended at the
usual hour. The estimates of expenditures for the
next fiscal year, commencing on the ist day of July,
1847, required by law to be submitted to Congress
at the commencement of the Session, was the chief
220 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [7 Nov.
subject considered to-day. The Navy and War es-
timates were much the largest and most important.
The estimates of the Navy & [as] stated by the Sec-
retary of the Navy, did not exceed [by] more than
about two millions, the ordinary expenditures for
that branch of the public service in time of peace.
The estimates of the war Department, as stated by
the Secretary of War, exceeded by about twenty
millions the ordinary expenditures for that branch
of the service in time of peace. This was so large
an increase that it gave rise to grave consideration
to see whether it could not be reduced. The Secre-
tary had estimated for 15,000 regular troops and
25,000 volunteers. The question was whether a less
number of troops could prosecute the war with
proper vigor. The decision of this question de-
pended in some degree upon the plan of conducting
the war which should be settled upon. If it was re-
solved to hold the provinces which we have taken
simply, a less number would be sufficient; but if a
war of invasion was to be pushed into the heart of
Mexico, a less number would not answer.
Mr. Buchanan was of opinion that we should hold
what we had. He thought the large estimate pro-
posed by the Secretary of War would alarm the
country and injuriously affect the public credit.
He proposed that the estimate should be reduced,
so as to provide for the 15,000 regular army and for
10,000 additional troops to be enlisted to serve dur-
ing the war & to dispense with volunteers, and that
Congress should be called upon to pass an act to this
effect. Without deciding the question as to the man-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 221
ner in which the war should be prosecuted, it was
finally agreed that the estimate for the Hscal year
commencing on the ist of July, 1847, should be made
for the regular army of 15,000 men, for 10,000 ad-
ditional troops, either enlisted for the war or vol-
unteers, and for an additional 10,000 men contin-
gently, to be called into service if necessary. This
would make an army of 35,000 men. To this the
Cabinet agreed unanimously. The question was left
open as to the manner of conducting the war here-
after; that is to say, whether we should simply hold
possession of the Provinces we had taken, or should
prosecute the war into the heart of Mexico. Much
conversation took place in regard to the loan which
had been proposed by the Treasury Department.
It was stated, and I have no doubt truly, that there
was a combination of the Banks in New York and
Boston to prevent the loan being taken, with the
view probably to force the Government to repeal the
Constitutional Treasury law of the last session. Mr.
Buchanan expressed the opinion that it would be im-
possible to conduct the war upon hard money, and
that although he had been an advocate of the Inde-
pendant Treasury law he was satisfied that the Gov-
ernment could not get on during the war under its
operations.
After night Col. Benton called as I had requested
him to do when the Cabinet were about to assemble
this morning. I had a long and interesting conver-
sation with him on the subject of the Mexican war
& the proper manner of prosecuting it with a view
to obtain an honorable and speedy peace. He ex-
222 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [7 Nov.
pressed the opinion that a bold blow should be struck
at once. He thought the City of Vera Cruz should
be taken at once & with it would fall the Castle at
that place, & that after this was done there should
be a rapid crushing movement made from Vera Cruz
on the City of Mexico. He said that Commissioners
composed of the first men in the country of both
political parties, should accompany the Head Quar-
ters of the army, who were authorized to ofifer peace
before a battle, during the battle, & after it was over.
He said this had often been done in the European
wars. He then said, some months ago, you offered
me the first mission in the world. (I had offered him
the mission to France near the close of the last Ses-
sion of Congress) I declined that, but I am willing
to accompany the army as one of these commission-
ers of peace. I told him if [it] was thought ex-
pedient to institute such a commission I would be
most happy to avail myself of his services in that
capacity. We had much conversation on the sub-
ject of the war & the manner of conducting ^ it. Col.
Benton was evidently in a fine humour & said he
had returned to Washington to render my adminis-
tration any aid in his power in conducting the war.
He condemned the policy which had been suggested
in some quarters of holding the Mexican territory
which we had acquired, & not prosecuting the war
^ Benton, View, II, 693, gives Benton's ideas in favor of a vigor-
ous prosecution of the war, and tells how he won over the Presi-
dent to this policy after the latter had already incorporated in his
annual message a recommendation in favor of the policy of inactive
occupation of the Mexican territory already acquired.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 223
further into the Mexican territory. He said the
war would be much protracted by such a policy, &
might not be ended for years. He said further the
late elections have gone against the administration
& that if such a policy of inactivity was adopted the
patriotic spirit of the country would flag & the Dem-
ocratic party would be overthrown. He said ours
were a go-ahead people, and that our only policy
either to obtain a peace or save ourselves was to press
the war boldly.
Sunday, 8th November, 1846. — Attended the
first Presbyterian church to-day in company with
Mrs. Polk & her niece. Miss Rucker.
Monday, gth November, 1 846. — This was the
day of interring the remains of Col. Cross, late of the
U. S. Army. Col. Cross was murdered by the Mex-
icans near Gen'l Taylor's camp on the Rio Grande in
April last. Plis remains were removed to this City
where his family reside. They arrived here on fri-
day evening last. I had been invited to attend the
funeral at his family residence, had resolved to do so,
& had requested the members of my cabinet to do so.
Shortly before the hour of leaving Col. Benton called
& told me he had prepared the letter which he had
informed me on Saturday last he would address to me,
defending Col. Fremont's conduct in California
against the calumnious Report of Governor Castro to
the Mexican Government against that officer. He
commenced reading the letter to me, but finding that
he would not have time to conclude it before the hour
224 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [9 Nov.
of attending the funeral, & one or two members of
the Cabinet having called for the purpose of accom-
panying me, I made my apology to him and asked
him to call at 2 O'Clock P. M., by which time I
would return. He said he would do so, but as he
wished to have it published in to-morrow morning's
papers, he would while I was gone to the funeral
have a proof sheet of it struck off & meet me at the
hour suggested. I told him I would invite the Sec-
retary of War to return from the funeral with me, &
we desired to converse further with him on the sub-
ject of the Mexican War.
Accompanied by all the members of my Cabinet,
I attended the funeral of Col. Cross at the residence
of his family in this City. It was attended by many
military and Naval officers in full uniform, & by a
large number of citizens. The services were brief.
The procession moved towards the Congressional
burying ground. On reaching Pennsylvania Ave-
nue I directed my carriage to leave the procession &
I returned to the President's mansion. The Secre-
tary of State & of War & my Private Secretary ac-
companied me. I informed the Secretary of War
that Col. Benton was to call at 2 O'Clock P. M., &
that I desired him to be at my office at that hour that
we might converse with him on the subject of the
Mexican war. He said he would go to his office &
return at that hour. I told him to bring the Secre-
tary of the Navy with him. He returned at that
hour & some time afterwards Col. Benton called.
Col. B. read the proof sheet of his letter ^ to me de-
^ Published in the Washington Union j November g, 1846.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 225
fending Col. Fremont against the attack of Gov.
Castro of California.
I then introduced the subject of the Mexican war,
and after the conversation had proceeded a few min-
utes the Secretary of the Navy came in. We had a
full & free conversation with him and communicated
what information we had, what orders had been is-
sued to the army and navy, & what was contemplated.
He repeated the views which he had expressed to
me on Saturday, that Vera Cruz should be taken and
a rapid & crushing movement made with a large
force on the City of Mexico, which should be ac-
companied by commissioners authorized to make
peace, as he had before suggested. I told him the
subject was engaging my serious attention & that it
would continue to do so. No decision was made, &
about 4 O'clock the conversation ended.
Just before I started to attend Col. Cross's funeral
to-day, Mr. Robertson, U. S. consul at Bremen,
called and delivered to me a package which he stated
contained a small quantity of cotton prepared as a
substitute for gun-pow[d]er, which he had brought
with him from Europe with instructions that it was
only to be opened in the presence of the President of
the United States. The package was addressed to
me with the superscription that it was only to be
opened in my presence. The discovery had been
made in Germany. I told Mr. Robertson I was
rather an unbeliever in the merits of the discovery,
but that [as] I was about attendmg the funeral of
Col. Cross I had no time then to attend to it. He re-
quested me to open the outer envelope, as he which
226 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo Nov.
[wished] to procure the specification which it en-
closed for the purpose of filing it in the Patent ofiice,
with a view to have the discovery patented. I
opened the seal and delivered to him the papers
which he wished. The inner package which con-
tained the cotton was still sealed & was directed, as
was the outer envelope, that it was only to be opened
in the presence of the President of the U. States. I
put the inner package in my drawer & requested him
to call on to-morrow.
When Col. Benton was retiring from my office this
afternoon I requested him to call again on to-morrow
morning & he said he would do so.
Tuesday, lOth November, 1846. — The Cabinet
met at the usual hour to-day, all the members
present.
Before the Cabinet assembled Col. Benton called,
as I had requested him to do on yesterday. The sub-
ject of the Mexican war was resumed. Col. B. re-
peated the views which he had before expressed, but
more in detail & enforced them. I told him if the
movement on the City of Mexico was made, it would
be necessary to call out a considerable number of ad-
ditional troops. I had before informed him of the
orders which had been issued for the contemplated
expedition against Tampico and possibly Vera Cruz,
but a movement on the City of Mexico had not been
at present contemplated, nor unless it was ascer-
tained that peace could not be obtained without it.
He said that a small force could, he had no doubt, in
co-operation with the Navy, starve out or take the
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 227
town of Vera Cruz, and with it would fall the Castle,
but that would not bring peace unless it was fol-
lowed with a large force on the City of Mexico. I
told him I apprehended from all I had learned that
Gen'l Taylor would not willingly spare any consid-
erable portion of the force with him at Monterey,
& that I apprehended he would not heartily co-
operate with the Government in carrying into effect
such an expedition unless he commanded it himself,
and that I thought Gen'l Taylor a brave officer but
not a man of capacity enough for such a command.
In this he concurred. I asked who would be the
proper officer to command so important an expedi-
tion. He did not answer. I spoke of Gen'l Scott.
He said he had no confidence in him. Some other
officers were named by me. He then said there
ought to be a Lieutenant General of the army who
should be General in chief. He said it required a
man of talents and resources as well as a military
man for such a command, & that with a view to ob-
tain peace more depended upon the talents & energy
of the officer than upon mere bravery. He then
said that if such an office was created by Congress,
he would be willing to accept the command himself.
I remarked Generally that I would have confidence
in him and would be pleased to see him at the head
of the army in such an expedition. He alluded to
what was apparent to every one, that the Whigs were
endeavouring to turn this war to party & political ac-
count. He said " I have been looking at events as
they have transpired this summer, & left Kentucky
where I have spent some weeks and returned to
228 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo Nov.
Washington to render you any aid in my power.
He said, You know what my position has been (al-
luding as I inferred to his preference for Mr. Van
Buren in the last Presidential election) but let By-
gones be by-gones. I quarrelled & fought with
Gen'l Jackson; I made friends with him & came to
his support, and during the gloomy period of the
Bank panic, I have held many consultations with
him in this room. Now I will give you any sup-
port in this war in my power." I expressed my
gratification at hearing these sentiments and said
frankly to him that I had never entertained any but
the most [cordial] feelings for him.
After much further conversation in relation to the
war he left. Shortly afterwards the Cabinet as-
sembled. The chief topic of conversation to-day
was the Mexican war and Col. Benton's views of
the manner of conducting it, which I communicated
to the Cabinet, of course in the confidence which be-
longs to all Cabinet consultations.
No distinct question was presented for a decision
but the view^s of the different gentlemen were freely
expressed. The general impression seemed to be
that it would be necessary to call out additional
troops with a view to the successful prosecution of
the campaign against Vera Cruz, & especially if an
expedition against the City of Mexico was resolved
upon. No answer had been received from Gen'l
Taylor to the despatch of the Secretary of War of
the 22nd of September, and it was deemed prudent
before any decision was made in regard to the future
course of the campaign to await his answer which
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 229
must undoubtedly be received soon. Mr. Buchanan
was in favour of taking Vera Cruz, but disinclined
to favour the expedition against the City of Mexico.
After much conversation on the subject, & in rela-
tion to the state of the finances & the probability of
obtaining a loan, the Cabinet adjourned.
This was reception evening. A larger number of
persons attended, ladies & gentlemen, than usually
do; among them was Col. Benton & his daughter,
Mrs. Fremont. The Secretary of War called & in-
formed me that he had received by to-night's [mail]
despatches from Gen'l Taylor. Before the com-
pany dispersed, I retired to my office with the Sec-
retary of War, and he read the despatches. They
were dated from the 6th to the 13th of October in-
clusive. They contained no satisfactory information
upon the points on which Gen'l Taylor had been
asked for information in the Secretary's despatch to
him of the 22nd of September. The truth is, from
my private letters from Gen'l Pillow and from in-
formation from other sources, I apprehend that
Gen'l Taylor's feelings are anything but friendly to
the Executive Government. He is, I fear, disposed
to cast all responsibility off himself, and not heartily
to co-operate with the Government in prosecuting
the war. He has no sympathies for the administra-
tion and cares only for himself. This is most repre-
hensible on his part for I have not only treated [him]
with great kindness, but have given him his present
promotion. I have known nothing of politics in my
treatment of him, but I am forced to believe that he
has been recently much influenced by Baylie Pey-
230 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [n Nov.
ton and other political partisans, and has suffered
his bitter political feeling to have much more to do
with his conduct than he should have done. I form
this conclusion from several sources of information,
but refer particularly to my private letters from Mr.
Robert B. Reynolds and Gen'l Pillow.
The Secretary of War was disappointed & dissatis-
fied with his answer. The want of the information
which he had asked from Gen'l Taylor, and which
he has failed to give, is very embarrassing to him &
to me.
To-day at 3 P. M. I went with Mr. Robertson,
U. S. Consul at Bremen, to the War Department,
where the package of Gun cotton which he deliv-
ered to me on yesterday was opened, [and] some ex-
periments made by Col. Totten. Its explosive qual-
ities surprised me.
Wednesday, nth November, 1846.— I gave or-
ders to my porter that I would see no company to-
day, but was constrained to see a few persons on
special business. I was occupied in preparing my
message, and in a conference with the Secretary of
War.
At 3 O'clock P. M. The Brazilian Minister called
and announced to me the birth of a Princess. I re-
ceived him in the parlour & he delivered [to] me
a letter from his sovereign announcing the event, ac-
companied by quite a speech of his own as though it
was a matter of great importance.
Andrew Jackson, jr., of the Hermitage, the
adopted son of Gen'l Jackson, called on me to-day.
1846J JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 231
Col. Benton called on me to-night at my request. I
had a still further conversation with him in relation
to the Mexican war. I told him 1 did not think it
probable that Congress would create the office of
Lieutenant General which he had suggested on yes-
terday. He said he thought himself it was doubt-
ful. After speaking about the propriety of calling
out an increased force, I told him that in that event
I might appoint an additional Maj'r Gen'l. He said
that if I did so the General appointed would be the
junior officer of his rank, and he would not desire it.
I remarked to him that I had supposed he would not
desire it, and that in addition to this I had come un-
der some commitment to Gen'l Houston of Texas, if
another Maj'r Gen'l was to be appointed. I told
him that if the commission to treat for peace, which
he had suggested in a former conversation should ac-
company the army, should be created, it would give
me pleasure to place him at the head of that com-
mission. He said if it was settled that a large force
was to march from Vera Cruz on the City of Mex-
ico he would accept, for then it would be important
& there would be dignity in it. I told him that the
inclination of my mind was to call for eight addi-
tional Regiments, with a view to the bold movement
which he had suggested, & that in the course of to-
morrow I would probably decide. I read to him
Gen'l Taylor's last despatch & also all the orders &
communications which had been sent to him relating
to the contemplated expeditions against Tampico &
Vera Cruz. He agreed with me that Gen'l Taylor's
answer was unsatisfactory & that he was unfit for
232 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [12 Nov.
command. After much further conversation of a
free and friendly character he retired.
Thursday, 12th November, 1846. — I did not
open my office for the reception of company gener-
ally to-day. Mr, Buchanan called and spent several
hours in the room adjoining my office, in examining
the draft of my message which I had made, in part
from a rough draft of his, on the subject of the Mexi-
can War.
The Hon. Wm. R. King, late U. S. Minister at
Paris, called. He reached the City, he informed
me, on last evening.
Andrew Jackson, jr., & his wife called. I saw
them in the parlour.
The Secretary of War called this morning & in-
formed me that Gen'l Scott had informed him that
he was preparing, & would deliver to him to-day, his
views of the manner in which the Mexican war
should be prosecuted. After night the Secretary
sent the communication of Gen'l Scott to me and
shortly afterwards called himself. After reading it
I returned it to the Secretary, who said he would
call on Col. Benton to-night and consult further with
him on the subject & communicate to him Gen'l
Scott's views.
Friday, IJth November, 1846. — I occupied my-
self chiefly to-day in revising what I had written and
preparing additional passages of my annual message.
Hon. Mr. Rhett of S. C. called with a friend. Col.
Benton called and repeated his views & urged them,
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 233
of assembling a large and overpowering force,
taking Vera Cruz, and marching upon the City of
Mexico, as the only mode of conducting the present
war with Mexico to a speedy and successful termina-
tion. The Secretary of War came in while Col.
Benton was with me, and the conversation was con-
tinued. 1 told Col. Benton that I had made up my
mind to call out immediately six or eight Regiments
of additional Volunteers, & that I should probably
do so on to-morrow. After Col. Benton retired, the
Secretary of War & myself had some further con-
versation on the subject. The Secretary expressed
his decided opinion that I should call out the addi-
tional forces which I had proposed immediately.
He left saying that he would hold a further conver-
sation with Gen'l Scott on the subject to-night, &
would inform me of the Gen'l's views & opinions on
to-morrow.
This evening at 4 O'Clock, Andrew Jackson, jr.,
& his wife and daughter of the Hermitage, and Miss
Taggart, the niece of Mrs. Jackson, of Georgetown,
D. C, took a family Dinner with me. Mr. John-
son, the P. M. Gen'l, also dined with me.
This was reception evening, but being much en-
gaged in my office, I did not go into the parlour. I
learn from the family that quite a number of per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, called.
Saturday, 14th November, 1846. — The Hon.
John W. Davis of Indiana, Speaker of the Ho.
Repts., called this morning. He informed me that
he had arrived in Washington on the day before yes-
234 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [14 Nov.
terday. I had a long conversation with him on pub-
lic subjects. His opinion was that the administration
and the Democratic party were never stronger than
at present in Indiana. In the course of the conversa-
tion he informed me that he expected to decline be-
ing a candidate for re-election to Congress from his
District, and expressed a desire to be appointed
Minister to Brazil if Mr. Wise returned from that
Court. I told him that it was probable that Mr.
Wise would return in the course of a few months,
but that in that event I was under some commitments
as to his successor, and should probably feel bound
to confer the office upon some citizen of Ohio. I
advised him to be a candidate for re-election to Con-
gress and continue to hold the office of Speaker.
The Cabinet met at the usual hour, all the mem-
bers present. The chief and almost the only ques-
tion of conversation to-day was whether there should
be a further call upon the States for an additional
force of Volunteers, with a view to the vigorous pros-
ecution of the Mexican war. The subject was fully
discussed. The Secretary of War expressed his
opinion that it was necessary to call out such a force.
Mr. Buchanan, the Secretary of State, expressed his
opinion in favour of taking Vera Cruz, but strongly
against sending any expedition against the City of
Mexico. He thought such an expedition would
cost a vast sum of money, that it was doubtful
whether it could be successful, and if it could there
was no object to be obtained by it, as it would not,
as he thought, facilitate peace. As, however, the
Secretary of War thought the additional force neces-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 235
sary, he would yield his assent to it, though reluc-
tantly. The Secretary of the Treasury said he re-
garded the capture of Vera Cruz as very important,
and as the Secretary of War thought the additional
force necessary he would yield his assent to it. All
the other members of the Cabinet were in favour of
it, the P. M. Gen'l saying that he assented to it as
the Secretary of War thought it necessary. The
Cabinet having all expressed their opinions, I then
observed that the Secretary of War had communi-
cated to the Cabinet all the information which he
possessed, and that we all had the same means of
judging of the propriety of the proposed call that
he had. I stated that I was in favour of the call, and
that I did not base my opinion upon that of the Sec-
retary of War, but upon the facts which were in the
knowledge of every member of the Cabinet. I did
not think that the Secretary of War should be held
solely responsible for the measure because every
member of the Cabinet possessed the same informa-
tion which he did, and had the same means of judg-
ing which he had. I thought therefore that each
member of the Cabinet should take his own full re-
sponsibility, and not escape that responsibility by
saying that he yielded his assent to the call because
the Secretary of War thought it necessary, and there-
fore it was that I made the remark I did that I was
in favour of it because I thought it proper, and not
because the Secretary of War thought so. It was
then unanimously agreed that nine additional Regi-
ments to serve during the War should be called for
from the States. The Cabinet proceeded to consider
236 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [14 Nov.
of the States from which the call should be made.
There was some difficulty in determining this, but
finally it was agreed upon. The Cabinet fully dis-
cussed the conduct of Gen'l Taylor and were agreed
that he was unfit for the chief command, that he had
not mind enough for the station, that he was a bit-
ter political partisan & had no sympathies with the
administration, and that he had been recently con-
trolled, particularly in his expedition to Monterey,
by Bailey Peyton, Mr. Kendall/ Editor of the
Picayune at New Orleans, and ass't adjutant Gen'l
Bliss,^ who were cunning & shrewd men of more
talents than himself, and had controlled him for po-
litical purposes. I expressed my deep regret that I
was compelled from all the information I had re-
ceived to come to this conclusion. I stated, what all
the Cabinet knew, that I had never suffered politics
to mingle with the conduct of this war; that I had
promoted Gen'l Taylor & treated him very kindly
& given him my confidence as chief in command of
the army, but that I was compelled to believe that
he had been weak enough to suffer himself to be con-
trolled by political partisans, who had no command
in the army, but had attached themselves to it & had
attended his camp for political purposes. All were
at a loss to designate who should be the chief in com-
mand in the expedition against Vera Cruz. I sug-
^ George Wilkins Kendall, founder, with Francis A. Lumsden,
of the Picayune in 1838. He accompanied the armies of Ta3lor
and Scott and organized a very effective news service.
^William Wallace Smith Bliss, 1815-1853, General Taylor's
chief-of-staff during the Mexican War.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 237
gested MajV Gen'l Butler of the Volunteers, & I
think him the best man. Nothing upon this point
was decided.
The Secretary of the Treasury stated that the loan
of five millions of Dollars for which he had adver-
tised had been all taken. He said the whole sum
was proposed to be taken by a single individual in
New York upon better terms than had been proposed
by other bidders; that he had doubted whether there
was such a person, that he had communicated by
Telegraph with the collector of New York, who had
answered that there was such a person in N. York,
but that he was without credit. He said he was
bound to accept the bid of this person if he per-
formed what he proposed, because it was the best
which was offered, and that he had determined to
send the Chief Clerk of the Treasury Department
(Mr. Young) to New York this afternoon with in-
structions to give this person the loan, if he paid the
money. If he failed to comply with his bid the loan
would be given to others who had bid, but whose
ofifers were less favourable to the Government.
The Cabinet after a longer sitting than is usual ad-
journed between 3 & 4 O'Clock P. M.
To-night Senator Dix of New York called, with
whom I had a long conversation in relation to the
present condition of public affairs.
Mr. Buchanan proposed in the Cabinet meeting
to-day, after it had been determined upon to call out
9 additional Regiments of Volunteers, that one of
them should be called from Massachusetts. It did
not strike me favourably. My first impression was
238 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [15 Nov.
that we should not extend the call further North
than the State of New York. Mr. Clifford doubted
the policy on other grounds. He feared that the
other New England States might feel that they were
overlooked if Federal Massachusetts was the only
one among them from which a requisition was made.
Upon further reflection, however, he doubted upon
the subject.
Sunday, l^th November, 1 846. — The more I
had reflected upon the suggestion made by Mr. Bu-
chanan in Cabinet on yesterday, that one of the nine
Regiments of volunteers to be called out should be
taken from Massachusetts, the more favourably I
thought of it. I sent for the Secretary of War this
morning to consult him on the subject. He inclined
to favour the suggestion, but said it might be well to
consult Mr. Clifford again before it was decided
upon. The Secretary left, and I sent for Mr. Clif-
ford. He said he thought more favourably of it,
than he did on yesterday. It was concluded that Mr.
Clifford should consult Mr. Burke of New Hamp-
shire (the commissioner of Patents) & see me again
after church to-day.
I attended the first Presbyterian church in com-
pany with Mrs. Polk and her niece. Miss Rucker.
At 3 O'clock P. M. Mr. Clifford, the Atto. Gen'l,
called and informed me that he had seen Mr. Burke,
who entirely approved the suggestion that one of the
Regiments of Volunteers should be called from New
Hampshire [Massachusetts]. If she obeyed the call
all would be well. If she refused to obey it and
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 239
acted as she did in the last war with Great Brittain,
the country would know it.
Monday, 16th November, 1846. — The Secretary
of War called this morning, and I informed him of
the opinion of Mr. Clifford and Mr. Burke in regard
to the call on the State of Massachusetts for one of
the Regiments of Volunteers to be called into the
public service. It was then agreed upon that one of
the Regiments should be taken from Massachusetts
(see this diary for the last two days) . The Secretary
of War read the draft he had prepared of his requisi-
tion upon the Governors of the several States, upon
whom it had been resolved in Cabinet to call for ad-
ditional Volunteers. I suggested some alterations
which were made.
Col. King, late U. S. Minister to France, called
and spent an hour with me in agreeable conversation
about public affairs.
To-night I received from Col. Benton a written
plan for the prosecution of the war against Mexico.
My porter, who delivered it to me, informed me that
Col. Benton said when he handed it to him at the
door, that he would call on me to-morrow morn-
ing.
Tuesday, I'/th November, 1846. — Col. Benton
called this morning before the meeting of the Cab-
inet, and held a conversation with me in relation to
his plan of the campaign against Mexico, an outline
of which he had communicated to me in writing last
evening.
240 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [17 Nov.
The Cabinet met at the usual hour, all the mem-
bers present. The Mexican war occupied exclusive
attention to-day. I read to the Cabinet Col. Ben-
ton's plan of the campaign as communicated to me
last night. The Secretary of War read a written
memorandum from Gen'l Scott giving a statement of
the forces now in Mexico, and of the additional
forces and preparations which in his opinion would
be necessary to make an attack on the City of Vera
Cruz and march to the City of Mexico. The force
he proposed was about 14,000, and the whole plan
was upon a large scale. Much conversation took
place on the subject. It had been heretofore re-
solved to take Vera Cruz if practicable, but it had
not been resolved to march from that point on the
City of Mexico. In the discussion Mr. Buchanan
seemed to consider that such was the determination,
and expressed his opinion strongly against it, but re-
marked that as he was overruled he would have to
acquiesce. Mr. Marcy remarked to him that he
had not been overruled, for as he understood it no
decision had been made by the President and the
Cabinet, that he had read Gen'l Scott's plan, but the
subject was one for consideration, not yet decided
upon. Mr. Buchanan said he was decidedly in
favour of taking Vera Cruz but was against march-
ing upon the City of Mexico. Among other
reasons which he assigned and he gave them at some
length, he remarked that he had not yet seen the
budget and did not know where the money was to
come from. It being resolved upon to send an ex-
pedition to take Vera Cruz, I myself considered it an
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 241
open question, to be determined according to circum-
stances hereafter, whether a column should be sent
from Vera Cruz against the City of Mexico. If
peace should not be made I am decidedly in favour
of taking the City of Mexico if we have sufficient
force in the field to do it. Great difficulty existed
in selecting the commander of the expedition against
Vera Cruz. In Gen'l Taylor a want of confidence
was expressed in his capacity, while it was known
that he had suffered his partisan political feelings
to render himself hostile to the administration. His
constant effort has been to throw the responsibility
of any disaster which might happen on the admin-
istration. In this he has been most ungrateful for
the kindness which he has received at my hands.
All agreed that he was unfit, after what had oc-
curred, for the command of the expedition against
Vera Cruz. The difficulty was in selecting a proper
officer. Maj'r Gen'l Patterson of the Volunteers,
who had been named for the Tampico expedition,
it was feared had not sufficient experience. Gen'l
Scott it [was known] was hostile to the administra-
tion, and it was apprehended would have no sym-
pathy with it in carrying out its plans. After much
discussion Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Walker, Mr. Marcy,
& Mr. Mason, although all of them had serious ob-
jections to him, yet came to the conclusion that as
he was the highest officer in command in the army,
he should be entrusted with the conduct of this im-
portant expedition. Mr. Johnson was opposed to
him, and Mr. Clifford was inclined to be so, but
expressed no decided opinion. After a long con-
242 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i8 Nov.
versation I informed the Cabinet that I would think
further on the subject before I decided. I have
strong objections to Gen'l Scott, and after his very
exceptionable letter in May last nothing but stern
necessity and a sense of public duty could induce
me to place him at the head of so important ex-
pedition. Still I do not well see how it can be
avoided. He is the Gen'1-in-chief of the army. If
I had the power to select a Gen'l I would select
Col. Benton to conduct the expedition. Without
coming to any decision the Cabinet adjourned.
Wednesday, l8th November, 1846. — I sent for
the Secretary of War this morning, & held a further
conversation with him in regard to the officer to be
selected to command the expedition to Vera Cruz.
He said he had had great anxiety and trouble about
it, but upon full reflection, although he would do
so reluctantly, he thought we would be compelled
to take Gen'l Scott. After some further conversa-
tion I requested him to call on Col. Benton & con-
fer with him confidentially on the subject. He left
and returned in the course of an hour & reported that
he had seen Col. Benton, who thought as he did,
that we would have to use the instruments which the
law had given, and under all the circumstances we
would, he thought, be compelled to take Gen'l Scott.
I was not still [still not] satisfied, & told the Sec-
retary that I would send for Col. Benton & see him
on the subject myself. I sent my Private Secretary
to invite Col. Benton to see me. Col. B. called,
and upon a full view of the whole subject he ad-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 243
vised that Gen'l Scott be assigned to the command
as the best we could do, although he had no confi-
dence in him. 1 told Col. Benton 1 must yield my
objections to Gen'l Scott, & would sec the Secretary
and direct that he be ordered to take the command
of the expedition to Vera Cruz. I told Col. Ben-
ton that if I could induce Congress to create the
office of Lieut. Gen'l I would appoint him to com-
mand the whole forces. He said he would take such
a command.
I was busily occupied until night preparing my
message. After night upon my invitation the Sec-
retary of the Navy called, & I read to him the part
of my message which related to the Mexican war
& the tariflf. The Secretary of War came in, and
I informed him of the result of my interview to-day
with Col. Benton. The Secretary of War said that
he had thought over the matter in every possible
aspect and he was fully satisfied that we would be
compelled to take Gen'l Scott for the command
against Vera Cruz. The Secretary of the Navy
concurred in this opinion. They advised me to send
for Gen'l Scott & see him myself in the morning.
I requested the Secretary of War to ask him to call
on to-morrow at 9 O'Clock A.M. I have no great
confidence in Gen'l Scott as a military commander,
and after his very exceptionable letter of May last
to the Secretary of War, it is with reluctance that
I assign him to this important command. If I had
the power I would certainly select some other, but
I am compelled to use the officers provided by law,
and under all the circumstances feel constrained to
244 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [19 Nov.
assign him to this command. He is the highest in
command in the regular army and it is his natural
position.
To-night I read to the Secretary of the Navy that
portion of my message which I had prepared in re-
lation to Mexico & the tariflf.
Thursday, igth November, 1846. — Gen'l Scott
called this morning, having been invited by the Sec-
retary of War, as requested by me on yesterday, to
do so. I held a long conversation with him as to
the plan of prosecuting the Mexican War. I finally
said to him that the capture of Vera Cruz was very
important to secure peace. To this he assented. I
then told him that it was important that the officer
entrusted to command that expedition should have
confidence in the Government, and that the Govern-
ment should have confidence in him, and that with-
out a cordial cooperation success could scarcely be
expected. To this he agreed. I then intimated to
him that if I was satisfied that he had the proper
confidence in the administration & would cordially
cooperate with it, that I was disposed to assign him
to the command. He appeared to be much affected
and said at once that he had the utmost confidence in
the administration & in myself, and that he would
cordially cooperate with me in carrying out my
views in the prosecution of the war. He said that
he surrendered his whole confidence to me. I then
told him that I had at the commencement of the
War given him my confidence and had tendered
him the command, but that circumstances had oc-
j846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 245
curred to change my determination. I was willing
that by-gones should be by-gones & that he should
take the command. He expressed himself as being
deeply grateful to me & said he would show me his
gratitude by his conduct when he got to the field.
He was so grateful & so much affected that he al-
most shed tears. He then said that he would take
with him any of the Volunteer Generals whom I
might indicate, and asked me to suggest such as I
wished to accompany him. 1 told him that was a
delicate matter, and that all I could do was to give
him, as it was my duty to do, the character & qualifi-
cations of such of them as I knew personally. I
told him that the only three of them with whom I
was intimately acquainted were Brigadier Gen'ls
Pillow, Hamer,^ & Shields, and I gave him such in-
formation as I possessed in regard to each of them.
I spoke also of MajV Gen'ls Butler & Patterson,
whom I knew, but not intimately. I expressed a
high opinion of Gen'l Butler." I requested him to
prepare a statement of the forces now in Mexico, and
inform me what portion of them he would propose
to take with him on the Vera Cruz expedition &
what corps he would leave under the command of
Gen'l Taylor. He said he would do so as soon as
he could prepare it. He left, apparently the most
delighted man I have seen for a long time, and as
he retired expressed his deep gratitude to me.
^Thomas L. Hamer of Ohio. He died December 2, 1846, at
Monterey, Mexico.
2 William Orlando Butler of Kentucky, 1 791-1880, candidate
for Vice President on the Democratic ticket in 1848.
246 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 Nov.
I spent the day until 2 O'Clock P. M. in pre-
paring my message. At that hour I opened my of-
fice for the reception of company. A number of
persons called.
After night the Secretary of War and Gen'l Scott
called & held a long conversation with me about the
Mexican War, & especially in relation to the expedi-
tion to Vera Cruz, the command of which it had
been resolved to entrust to Gen'l Scott. The Gen'l
was still in a fine humour and manifestly much de-
lighted. He told me when he called this morning
that my course towards him was magnanimous, &
that he would take care to inform his friends that
he regarded it to be so. Among others he said he
would communicate this to his friends in the army
& to Senators Clayton, Crittendon, Barrow, &
Archer.
Friday, 20th November, 1846. — I put the rough
draft of that part of [my] message which relates to
Mexico & the Mexican War into the hands of Mr.
Wm. V. Voorhies, a confidential Clerk, for the pur-
pose of having it copied in a fair handwriting. I
was busy during the day in preparing other para-
graphs of the Message. Senator Dix called, and
having one [of] these paragraphs which I had just
written on my table, I read it to him.
Late in the afternoon I received from Gen'l Scott
a note accompanying a letter which he had prepared
to Gen'l Taylor, & desiring my permission to ad-
dress such a letter to [him]. A part of the letter I
I
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 247
did not approve, and particularly that part of it
which disclosed the plans of the Government in the
contemplated expedition on Vera Cruz. The suc-
cess of that campaign may depend on keeping it a
secret from the enemy. I addressed a note to Gen'l
Scott and requested him to call this evening, that
I might have a personal interview with him on the
subject. After night Gen'l Scott called. I had a
conversation with him in relation to his proposed
letter to Gen'l Taylor, and he cheerfully agreed to
omit that part of it which related to the contem-
plated expedition to Vera Cruz. The omission was
made from abundant caution, lest if it become
known to the young officers about Gen'l Taylor's
person they might not see the necessity of keeping
it secret, and that becoming public in the army the
knowledge of it might reach the enemy. Moreover
an intimation [of it] had been given to Gen'l Tay-
lor by the Secretary of War on the 13th & 22nd
ultimo, but in the strictest confidence. Gen'l Scott
spoke at some length of the contemplated military
operation against Vera Cruz. Among other things
he expressed himself willing to consult my w^ishes
as to the General officers of the Volunteers whom
he should take with him. I told him that was a
delicate matter, and that [I] did not wish any favour
or partiality extended to any of them over others.
I told him it was [my] duty to give him such in-
formation as I possessed of such of them as I knew
personally. I did so of JVIaj'r Gen'ls Butler and
Patterson & of Brigadier Generals Pillow, Hamer,
248 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [21 Nov.
and Shields. I told him that my personal acquaint-
ance with Brigadier Genl's Quitman & Marshall ^
was slight, and that I did not know Brigadier Gen'l
Lane^ personally. I asked him, from the number
of volunteer forces he would have with him, if he
would not require the services of both the Maj'r
Generals. He said he thought he would and also of
4 of the Brigadiers. I[n] this I concurred with him,
and he decided to take that number. He decided i
also to take Gen'l Worth with the Division of regu-
lars. Gen'ls Twiggs & Wool & two of the Brigadier
Gen'ls of Volunteers would remain with Gen'l Tay-
lor. I told him that for the new requisition of 9
Regiments lately made, I would probably appoint
one Maj'r Gen'l & one Brigadier Gen'l, & that if
he deemed it proper they also could be attached to
Gen'l Taylor's column. To all this he agreed. He
was in a very fine humour, appeared to be free and
open in his conversation & was very communicative.
This was reception evening. Quite a number of
persons, ladies & gentlemen, called.
Saturday, 2Ist November, 1846. — The Cabinet
met at the usual hour to-day, all the members present
except the P. M. Gen'l, who is indisposed as I learn.
Despatches were received last night from Gen'l Tay-
lor, which the Secretary of War produced and they
^Thomas Marshall of Kentucky, 1793-1853, commissioned a
Brigadier-General of Volunteers in the Mexican War by President
Polk.
' Joseph Lane, appointed Territorial Governor of Oregon in
1848, afterward elected to the Senate from Oregon.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 249
were read. They gave a more detailed account of
the battle of Monterey, but contained no explana-
tion of the reasons which induced him to agree to
the armistice. A seperate despatch was [in] an-
swer to the despatch from the Secretary of War of
the 22nd of September last, in relation to the pro-
posed expedition into the interior of Tamaulipas
and against Tampico. It was written in bad tem-
per, and was wholly unwarranted by the despatch
of the Secretary of War to which it was a reply.
The Secretary had proposed the expedition under
the belief, which was the fact, that a sufficient force
was left by Gen'l Taylor, who were idle in camp on
the Rio Grande, to constitute the expedition, but
still the whole matter had been left to the discretion
of Gen'l Taylor. The officers left with the Troops
on the Rio Grande were suggested to command the
expedition. Gen'l Taylor's answer is in very bad
taste and in worse temper, in which among other
things he states that he places his protest on file
against such interference with him as chief-in-com-
mand of the army in Mexico. I refer to the
correspondence itself as containing a more full expla-
nation and statement of the whole matter than I can
now give. I was very indignant at Gen'l Taylor's
letter & directed the Secretary of War to prepare
a proper answer. It is perfectly manifest that Gen'l
Taylor is very hostile to the administration and seeks
a cause of quarrel with it. This he shall not have
unless he places himself wholly in the wrong, as in-
deed he has already done. He is evidently a weak
man and has been made giddy with the idea of the
2SO JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [22 Nov.
Presidency. He is most ungrateful, for I have pro-
moted him, as I now think beyond his deserts, and
without reference to his politics. I am now satisfied
that he is a narrow minded, bigotted partisan, with-
out resources and wholly unqualified for the com-
mand he holds.
Gen'l Scott called in the evening, & referring to
Gen'l Taylor's despatch which he had read, con-
demned it and said that he ought to explain it, and
that he would cause him to do so. Gen'l Scott in-
formed me that he would leave for Mexico to take
the command of the army, travelling via N. York,
where he would take a vessel on Monday next.
He was in a good humour and was exceedingly
grateful to me for having assigned him to the com-
mand. In truth it was the only alternative. I am
now satisfied that anybody would do better than Tay-
lor. Taylor is no doubt brave & will fight, but is
not fit for a higher command than that of a Regi-
ment. I have no prejudice against him, but think
he has acted with great weakness & folly.
Sunday, 22nd November, 1 846. — Attended the
first Presbyterian church to-day in company with
Mrs. Polk, her niece. Miss Rucker, and my nephew,
Marshall T. Polk. After church Judge Mason, the
Secretary of the Navy, spent an hour with me in my
office examining that portion of my message which
I had written relating to Mexico & the war.
Monday, 2jrd November, 1846. — I was occu-
pied in preparing [my] message and attending to
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 251
other business on my table until 2 O'Clock P. M. to-
day, when I opened my office for the reception of
company. At that hour a number of persons called,
chiefly office seekers, but I had no places for them &
observed but little ceremony in telling them so.
Tuesday, 24th November, 1846.— Vice Presi-
dent Dallas called this morning. I had an hour's
conversation with him, and read to him that portion
of my message which I had prepared on the subject
of the tariff. He expressed himself as highly pleased
with it, and paid me the compliment to say that he
thought it the clearest and best production which had
ever come from my pen. The Cabinet met at the
usual hour, all the members present. I read to them
that portion of my message which I had prepared in
relation to the Mexican war & our relations with that
country. The Cabinet expressed their approbation
of it. Some suggestions were made, but not on ma-
terial portions of it, and [they] made some correc-
tions mostly verbal.
The Secretary of War read the answer which he
had prepared to Gen'l Taylor's last despatch, & it
was with some slight modifications agreed to.
This evening at 7^ O'Clock P. M. T accompanied
Mrs. Polk and the ladies of my household to Gen'l
Tomson's and witnessed the marriage of his daugh-
ter. As soon as the ceremony was over, I retired &
returned to my office, leaving Mrs. Polk & the family
to remain until after supper. The Secretary of the
Navy & Secretary of War returned with me. The
Secretary of the Navy had received by to-night's mail
252 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [25 Nov.
despatches from our squadron in the Gulf announc-
ing the successful expedition of Commodore Perry
against Tobasco & the capture of a number of Mexi-
can Vessels.
Mr. Clifford, the atto. Gen'l, called & informed
me that he thought it necessary to visit his residence
in Maine, but that he would be absent but a few
days.
Wednesday, 2Sth November, 1846. — I saw no
company to-day, but was busily engaged in my office.
The Secretary of State and of the Treasury, and
some other public officers called in the course of the
day on public business. I revised the portions of
my message which I had written.
Thursday, 26th November, 1846. — This being
a day of Thanksgiving set apart by the authorities of
the City, I directed that the public offices should be
closed.
Capt. Walker ^ of the Texan Rangers, whom I
had appointed a captain in the mounted Rifle Regi-
ment, called to pay his respect[s]. He had been in
the City several days and made an apology for not
having called earlier.
I was engaged during the day in disposing of the
business on my table, and in the further preparation
of my message.
After night Judge Catron of the Supreme Court
^ Samuel Hamilton Walker, killed in the battle of Huamantla,
October 9, 1847.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 253
of the United States called. He reached the City,
he informed me, this morning.
Friday, 2'/th November, 1 846. — Vice President
Dallas, Senator Bagby of Al., & Hon. Mr. Hough, ^ a
Representative in Congress, called this morning. I
saw the Secretaries of the Treasury, War, & Navy
on official business in the course of the day. Some
other public officers called on business. I was en-
gaged during the day in revising the passages of my
message which I had written and in disposing of the
business on my table.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons, ladies and gentlemen, called.
Saturday, 28th November, 1846. — Vice Presi-
dent Dallas called this morning. I read to him a
part of my message.
The Cabinet met at the usual hour, all the mem-
bers present except the Atto. Gen'l, who is absent
from the City on a visit to his family in Maine. I
read to the Cabinet the passages of my message on
various subjects which I had written. But few sug-
gestions of modification or change were made by the
members of the Cabinet. After I had read the pas-
sage relating to the tariff I remarked that it con-
tained my sentiments and opinions, when Mr. Bu-
chanan remarked that I knew it did not contain his.
I answered that I knew we differed in opinion on
^William J. Hough, Representative from New York 1845-
1847.
254 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [28 Nov.
the subject, and had done so when I communicated
my last message to Congress, When I read a para-
graph recommending to Congress to make provision
for ascertaining and marking the dividing line be-
tween the U. S. & Great Brittain in the Oregon ter-
ritory, in pursuance of the convention of the 15th
of June last, Mr. Buchanan expressed the opinion
that it was unnecessary, and that it would revive an
angry discussion in Congress on the Oregon ques-
tion. Upon this suggestion I struck the paragraph
out. Mr. Buchanan spoke of the long delay and the
expenses of completing the survey of the North East-
ern boundary line, and the expense it had cost the
country, and intimated that it ought to be enquired
into. Upon this remark Mr. Walker seemed to be
excited & put a question to Mr. Buchanan to know
[what] abuses had occurred, remarking that he felt
some interest in that matter as he had a friend & a
relative who had been connected with that survey.
It was evident that Mr. Walker was excited, & to
avoid anything unpleasant between the gentlemen I
caused the conversation to cease by calling the atten-
tion of the Cabinet to the subject before them. All
the paragraphs of my message which [I] designed
to submit to-day having been read, Mr. Buchanan
asked me if I had read the draft of an answer which
he had prepared, & which he had sent to me on yes-
terday, to a communication addressed to me on the
23rd Instant, by a person named Aelaria de Masa,
M. D., who represented himself to be a Mexican
citizen residing in Tamaulipas. I told him I had
read it, but requested him to read it again. He did
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 255
SO. The letter of this person represented that in-
habitants of the Northern Provinces of Mexico were
ready to revolt & establish an independant Republic,
& would do so if they could have a guaranty from
the U. S., I St, that they would not be annexed to
the U. S., and 2nd, that we would protect & defend
them in their contemplated revolution as long as the
war lasted with the U. S. Mr. Buchanan's answer
gave in substance the guarantees requested. After
he had read it, I remarked that I was not satisfied of
the propriety of giving suQh an answer, or any an-
swer at all. I had doubts of giving such an answer
as he had prepared, because it might seriously em-
barrass the U. S. when we came to make peace with
Mexico. When that peace is made we must obtain
a cession of territory to indemnify us, & if New Mex-
ico and the Californias, which we expected to obtain,
if not a greater extent of territory, should declare
their independance, we would be bo[u]nd if this
guaranty was given not to accept a cession of them
from Mexico. Mr. Buchanan said he would insert
a paragraph excepting New Mexico and the Cali-
fornias from the guaranty. I told him still I would
not like to bind myself in advance not to accept any
other territory which we might obtain by a Treaty
from Mexico. Mr. Buchanan expressed his opin-
ion strongly against acquiring any more Southern
territory, & said he thought if we did it would be
the means of dissolving the Union. He added that
he thought if it was believed by the people that our
object was to make a conquest of Tamaulipas & New
Leon & annex them to the U. S. the war would be
256 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [28 Nov.
utterly odious. He expressed himself in favour of
acquiring New Mexico & New Leon, but opposed to
going further South. I told him I did not feel will-
ing to decide the question in advance what we would
deem it proper ultimately to acquire, that I wished
to leave that an open question. In this Mr. Walker
concurred with me in opinion, and was unwilling
to make any such guaranty as that proposed. I told
Mr. Buchanan that another objection to giving any
answer at all to Dr. Masa's letter to me was, that I
knew nothing of him; that he came to Washington
with no credentials or authority or letters from any
of his countrymen, and that I was unwilling to hold
an official correspondence with a private individual
of whom we knew nothing upon so important a sub-
ject, and upon full reflection I thought it was the
wise course to give no answer to his letter to me, &
that he should be informed in a courteous manner
that as he had no credentials I declined to do so.
Mr. Buchanan differed very widely with me in opin-
ion. He asked me if I would see Dr. Masa and
give him the verbal answer. I told him if it was nec-
essary I could do so, but that I preferred he should
do so. He said it was so much against his opinion
that he would prefer to be excused from doing so.
Much more conversation took place on the subject,
when he suggested that Mr. Trist, the ch. Clk. of
the Dep't of State, could give him the verbal an-
swer, to which I assented. It was clear to my mind
that Mr. Buchanan desired to have me committed
against accepting a cession or annexing the Prov-
inces on the lower Rio Grande to the U. S. under
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 257
any circumstances. Though I did not at this time
contemplate such annexation, I desired to keep this
an open question, & was unwilling to be committed
in advance when it was unnecessary to be so.
The Cabinet after a long sitting adjourned at 3^/2
O'clock P. M.
After night Hon. Lynn Boyd of Ky. & Hon. Mr.
Kennedy of Indiana, members of the Ho. Repts.,
called.
The Secretary of the Navy also called & read to
me despatches received to-night from Commodore
Conner, announcing that he had captured Tampico
without firing a gun.
Sunday, 2gth November, 1846. — Attended the
first Presbyterian church to-day in company with
Mrs. Polk and her niece, Miss Rucker. Just before
I started to church the Secretary of War and the Sec-
retary of the Navy called to consult me about send-
ing an additional force, particularly a land force,
to Tampico, sufficiently strong to hold that place.
They said they called to-day, because the orders
should go out immediately. I concurred with them
in the necessity of prompt action. I expressed my
opinion that 1,500 or 2,000 troops should be ordered
to proceed without delay to Tampico. They agreed
with me in opinion and the Secretary of War said
he would issue the order forthwith. Official infor-
mation was received from Commodore Conner last
night that he had Taken Tampico, and would re-
quire a land force to hold it.
258 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY I30 Nov.
Monday, 30th November, /6'</6.— Senators Tur-
ney and Pennybacker & Representatives Stanton &
Chase of Tennessee and Sims of Missouri called this
morning. The Secretary of the Treasury called and
handed to me a condensed statement of the condition
of the finances, necessary to be noticed in my mes-
sage. I sent for the Secretary of State and conferred
with him in regard to parts of the message relating
to our foreign affairs.
Col. Benton called this morning. I submitted to
him for his perusal that part of my message relating
to the Mexican War & the tariff. He read them
in the private room adjoining my office. He re-
mained alone two or three hours, when he returned
into my office and read to me the observations which
he had written down upon that portion of the mes-
sage relating to the Mexican War. They were not
very material except in relation to the disposition
to be made of the conquered territory, but I will
preserve them for future reference. He said he had
not had time to examine the tariff part of the mes-
sage, but on leaving said he would return on to-mor-
row morning.
To-night I prepared the financial part of my mes-
sage, from the statement handed to me by the Secre-
tary of the Treasury to-day.
Tuesday, nt December, 1846.— Col. Benton
called again this morning & resumed the examination
of that part of my message which I submitted to him
on yesterday in relation to the war with Mexico. I
had proposed in my draft to submit to Congress the
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 259
propriety, at the same time that the war should be
vigorously prosecuted, to establish a line of boundary
securing to the U. S. a sufficient territory to afford
indemnity for the expenses of the war, and to our
citizens who hold pecuniary demands against Mex-
ico. I proposed, also, that a more permanent Gov-
ernment should be provided by Congress over the
conquered provinces than the temporary Govern-
ments which had been established by our Military
and Naval commanders according to the laws of
war. Col. Benton thought these passages should be
omitted, and submitted to me in writing the reasons
for this opinion. This paper I will preserve.
The Cabinet met at the usual hour; all the mem-
bers present except the Atto. Gen'l, who is absent on
a visit to his residence in Maine, and the Secretary
of the Navy, who was prevented from attending by
indisposition. The sitting was a short one, each
member of the Cabinet being much engaged in his
office in preparing his Report preparatory to the
meeting of Congress. I read the paragraph of my
message relating to the finances. Several subjects
were briefly considered, but nothing of importance
occurred. After Mr. Buchanan retired Mr. Walker
read that part of his annual report which related to
the tariff.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, called.
Wednesday, 2nd December, 1846. — A number
of members of Congress called to-day. The Secre-
taries of State, Treasury, & Navy and the Post Mas-
26o JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [2 Dec.
ter Gen'l called on business at different periods of
the day. I informed them severally of Col. Ben-
ton's views in relation to that part of my message
relating to Mexico (see this diary of yesterday) and
read to them his written observations in relation to
it. Mr. Buchanan & Mr. Walker differed with him
in opinion & preferred to retain the passages ob-
jected to by him. Mr. Mason was strongly inclined
to concur in opinion wdth him. All agreed, how-
ever, that it was inexpedient to retain the passage[s],
if for no other reason [than] that if they were op-
posed by Col. Benton they would not probably pass
Congress. Mr. Buchanan proposed a substitute for
them which I will consider. Mr. Buchanan pre-
pared also a paragraph for the message in relation
to the letters of marque which had been issued by
Mexico. This also I will revise. Mr. H. C. Wil-
liams, a confidential clerk, was engaged to-day in
the private room, copying the parts of my message
w^hich were finished. After night the Secretary of
the Navy occupied an hour with me in aiding me
in preparing & correcting parts of my message.
On yesterday Vice President Dallas enclosed to
me a letter from Judge Jno. K. Kane, suggesting
the importance of my promising to appoint Gov.
Shunk of Penn. to an office at the expiration of his
present term, in order that he might not be a candi-
date for re-election, & thereby promote the harmony
of the Democratic party in Pennsylvania. I re-
turned the letter to Mr. Dallas as requested. This
morning Mr. Dallas called to see me on the subject.
I told him that I did not know what would be in
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 261
my power, but that I considered Gov. Shunk a
worthy man and that I would be willing to give
him an appointment, if at the expiration of his term
there should be any that would suit him. 1 told
Mr. Dallas that as Mr. Buchanan was a member of
my Cabinet he ought to be consulted on the subject
before I decided upon it, to the propriety of which
he readily assented. He said that he would write
to Judge Kane to come to Washington, that he might
consult Mr. Buchanan on the subject. I made no
promise & authorized none to be made on the sub-
ject.
Thursday, 3rd December, 1846.— h. number of
members of Congress called to-day. Several of the
members of the Cabinet also called on business. I
occupied a considerable part of the day in revising
my message, and in writing additional paragraphs for
it. Two confidential Clerks, viz., H. C. Williams
and W. V. Voorhies, were engaged in preparing
copies of my message. The[y] occupied the pri-
vate room adjoining my office.
To-day Judge Catron, Hon. Cave Johnson, Mr.
Stanton & Chase of Tennessee, and Hon. Lynn Boyd
of Ky. took a family dinner with me. After night
Senators Benton and Dix called. I submitted to
Mr. Dix for his perusal the portions of my message
relating to the Mexican War and the tariff. Whilst
he was reading these parts of the message in my Pri-
vate Secretary's office, I had a long conversation
with Col. Benton. In presence of Mr. Dix I
avowed what I had said when we were alone, which
262 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 Dec.
was in brief that if Congress would pass a law au-
thorizing it, I would appoint him Lieut. General of
the army and give him the chief command in Mex-
ico. I agreed, also, to the suggestion which Col. B.
had made some time ago, to appoint a Commis-
sion of three persons to accompany the army, who
should be fully authorized to Treat for peace. Col.
B. had previously objected to Mr. Slidell, our late
minister to Mexico, as one of this commission. I
told him it would embarrass me to exclude him.
He was earnest in expressing his objections to him.
I told him that Mr. Slidell had been appointed
chiefly on the recommendation of Mr. Buchanan,
who still thought well of him, and [I] thought I
would do him great injustice to exclude him, if such
a commission was instituted. Mr. Benton had in-
dicated Mr. Crittendon and Gov. Wright as mem-
bers of the Commission, and wished to know if he
could mention the subject to Mr. Crittendon. I
told him I would prefer that he should not until I
could confer with Mr. Buchanan in reference to Mr.
Slidell, which I w^ould do on to-morrow. I re-
quested Col. Benton to see Mr. Buchanan on the
subject also. He said he would do so. My conver-
sation with Col. Benton was of a free and pleasant
character.
Mr. Dix after reading the parts of my message
which I handed to him, expressed his satisfaction
with it. He suggested that an immaterial para-
graph in relation to the Mexican war should be
omitted, to which I at once assented, as it did weaken
the view of the subject which I had taken. The
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 263
tarift passage he approved, but suggested that in the
part in which I expressed the opinion that the tariff
of 1846 should not be " changed or modified " until
after it should have a fair trial, the word " modified "
had perhaps better be omitted. The reason which
he assigned was, that as the Whigs were for the
restoration of the tariff of 1842 just as it was, they
might charge the Democrats for being in favour of
the tariff' of 1846 just as it is. I declined striking
out the word and he did not insist upon it.
Friday, 4th December, 1 846. — My doors were
closed to-day against all persons except members of
Congress & members of the Cabinet who might call.
My engagements rendered this absolutely necessan.*.
A number [of] members of Congress called. Mr.
Buchanan called at 12 O'Clock & informed me that
Col. Benton had been at the Department of State
this morning and informed him of the conversation
he had held with me on last evening, in relation to
Mr, Slidell as one of the members of the proposed
Mexican Commission. Mr. Buchanan represented
him as having been xtry violent in his opposition to
Mr. Slidell. Mr. Buchanan was strongly and ear-
nestly of opinion that if such a commission was in-
stituted I could not exclude Mr. Slidell as a
member of it without disgracing him. and to that
he was opposed. He expressed a high opinion of
Mr. Slidell. I should have sent for Col. Benton
to have a further conversation with him on the sub-
ject, but I was so much occupied that I had not time
to hold the inte^^•iew with him. The two confiden-
264 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [5 Dec.
tial clerks continued copying my message to-day, but
did not finish it.
This was reception evening. An unusual number
of persons, members of Congress & others, called.
Saturday, 5//? December, 1846. — up to the hour
of the meeting of the Cabinet my office was open for
the reception of members of Congress. A number
of them called & among them Gen'l Cass.
The Cabinet met at 1 1 O'Clock, being the usual
hour, all the members present.
Gen'l Hough of New York, one of the Regents
of the Smithsonian Institute, [called] to submit for
the approval of the President & the Cabinet & Com-
missioner of Patents, in pursuance of an act of the
last Session of Congress, the selection which had
been made by the Regents as the site for the Institute.
I introduced him into my office where the Cabinet
were assembled. He submitted the selection for the
site which the Regents had made. It consisted of
about 100 acres of land, being the greater part of
the mall or vacant ground in the City of Washing-
ton. Although I thought too much ground had
been embraced, I considered that the responsibility
devolved on the Regents, and I at once said I was
willing to give my assent. The Secretary of the
Treasury & Secretary of the Navy expressed similar
opinions. Mr. Buchanan objected. He thought
the quantity of acres was extravagant & unnecessary,
and he could not consent to it. Mr. Burke, the com-
missioner of Patents, objected also. As the act of
Congress required the unanimous consent of the
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 265
President and the other members of the Cabinet &
the commissioner of Patents, of course the Selection
proposed by the Regents was rejected. I told Gen'l
Hough to report to the board of Regents the result,
& informed him that I would call the gentlemen to-
gether again at any time when I should be notified
that it was necessary, to hear & consider any further
proposition which they might make in relation to
the selection of the site.
After Gen'l Hough retired, being about i O'Clock
P. M., I commenced reading to the Cabinet the re-
vised copy of my message which I had caused to be
copied by Messrs. Williams & Voorhies, the two
confidential clerks whom I had entrusted to make
the copies. The reading and discussions upon vari-
ous parts of the message occupied until 4 O'Clock
P. M. without finishing it. Some modifications not
afifecting principle were made. Mr, Buchanan said
he had a dinner engagement and could not remain
longer. I was unwilling to send in the message with-
out submitting the whole of it to the Cabinet, and
from the necessity of the case it was agreed to have
a special meeting at 9 O'Clock to-morrow morning.
Sunday, 6th December, 1846.— The Cabinet met
according to adjournment at 9 O'Clock this morning,
all the members present, when the balance of my
message was read to them. Some slight modifica-
tions were made. I disliked having a meeting of the
Cabinet to-day, but as Congi-ess meets on to-morrow,
and it was important to have the message ready,
there seemed an absolute necessity for it.
266 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [7 Dec.
The Cabinet adjourned at 1 1 O'Clock A. M. when
I attended the first Presbyterian Church in company
with Mrs. Polk & her niece, Miss Rucker.
Judge Catron of the Supreme Court of the U. S.,
whom we met at Church, took a family dinner with
us to-day.
Monday, Jth December, 1 846. — Saw a number
of members of Congress this morning. Between 12
& I O'clock, having learned that both Houses of
Congress had organized, I delivered to Maj'r Heiss
of the Union office a copy of my message to be
printed. At i O'Clock P. M. the judges of the Su-
preme Court of the U. States attended by their offi-
cers made an official call. I received them in the
parlour below stairs.
Between i & 2 O'Clock a Joint Committee of the
two Houses of Congress called to notify me that the
two Houses had organized & were ready to receive
any communication I might have to make. I in-
formed them that I would transmit to each House
a message in writing at 12 O'Clock on to-morrow.
After night I was engaged in correcting the proof
sheets of my message. Judge Mason, my Private
Secretary, and the clerks who had copied it, aided
by the proof reader of the Union office, assisted me.
We did not finish until about i O'Clock A. M. of
the 8th Dcr., 1846, when being greatly fatigued I
retired to rest.
Tuesday, 8th December, 1846. — Many members
of Congress called to pay their respects this morning.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 267
About 10 O'clock I discovered that in my message
as furnished to the printer on yesterday I had mis-
taken a date, having inserted in one paragraph relat-
ing to Santa Anna's return to Mexico, the 15th, when
it should have been the T3th of May, 1846, as the
day on which the instructions to Commodore Con-
ner were given not to obstruct his return if he should
attempt to do so. I corrected the error in the two
copies intended for Congress and sent my Private
Secretary to the printing office to make the correction
there also. When he returned he informed me
that many copies had been struck ofif before he
reached the office, but none of course had been cir-
culated.
At 11^ O'clock my Private Secretary left with
my message for the purpose of delivering it to the
two Houses of Congress. He returned about 2^
O'clock P. M. and informed me that as far as he
could ascertain the message had been well received.
This was reception evening. Many persons, mem-
bers of Congress & strangers, consisting of ladies &
gentlemen, called. Ma[n]y of them congratulated
me upon the favourable impression which my mes-
sage had made.
This was the regular day of the meeting of the
Cabinet. Several of the members of the Cabinet
called at different hours, but no meeting was held.
This evening Rob't M. McLane, Esqr., who had
been despatched during the last month as bearer of
despatches to the army in Mexico, returned bearing
despatches from the army to the War Department.
He brought also private letters from some of the
268 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [9 Dec.
officers to me. This was reception evening. A
number of persons, ladies & Gentlemen, called.
Wednesday, gth December, 1846. — A number
of members of Congress called and paid their re-
spects this morning. Col. Benton called this morn-
ing. I had requested my Private Secretary to re-
quest him to do so. I had a long conversation with
him, in relation to the appointment of a Lieut. Gen'l
to command the army, and the appointment of a com-
mission to negotiate a peace with Mexico. I told
him, as I had previously done, that if Congress would
authorize the appointment of a Lieut. Gen'l who
should be commander in chief of the army in Mex-
ico, I would appoint him to the command. With
this he was satisfied, but doubted whether Congress
w^ould do so. In regard to the commission, of
which I had before conversed with him, to accom-
pany the Head Quarters of the army, to be com-
posed of distinguished men of both parties, I had a
long conversation with him. I agreed with him in
the propriety of instituting such a commission. A
difference of opinion existed as to the men who
should compose it. I felt myself bound as a matter
of personal honour to retain Mr. Slidell as a mem-
ber of the commission, to which Mr. Benton ob-
jected in earnest & even violent terms. His objec-
tions to Mr. Slidell were personal. I told him that
I had originally appointed Mr. Slidell Envoy Ex-
traordinary & Minister Plenipotentiary to Mexico
more upon the information of him given me by Mr.
Buchanan & others than upon any personal knowl-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 269
edge of him, as my personal acquaintance with him
was very slight. I told him that Mr. SlidelTs con-
duct had been satisfactory to me while he was in
Mexico, and that upon his return he had proposed
to resign his commission, but upon my request had
retained it and held himself in readiness to resume
his duties whenever required, & that I should re-
gard it as doing him great injustice if I were now
to dismiss him. He was still not satisfied with him.
The other commissioners spoken of were Gov.
Wright of N. Y., Mr. Crittendon of Ky., & himself.
I was agreed to all of them, but thought it was due
to Mr. Slidell that as he was now the minister to
Mexico he should be associated with them as one of
the commission. Not being able to agree with Col.
Benton upon this point, I told him I would think
further of it, & requested him to call again to-night
at 9 O'clock.
Senator Bagby called shortly after Col. Benton
left & I had a full conversation with him on the
subject. At my request he promised to see Senator
Dix of N. Y. on the subject, and, if deemed advisable
by Senator Dix & himself, they would call on Col.
Benton & see if they could reconcile him to the as-
sociation of Mr. Slidell with the commission. I
told Senator Bagby that I thought well of Mr. Sli-
dell, and thought Col. Benton ought to yield his per-
sonal objections to him.
At 9 O'clock P. M. Col. Benton called according
to appointment. Senators Bagby & Dix had seen
him this evening. I found him still stubbornly op-
posed to Mr. Slidell as a member of the commission.
270 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [9 Dec.
I finally said to him that I was anxious to appoint
him Lut. Gen'l if Congress would give the authority
to appoint such an officer, but that in regard to the
commission I should still feel much embarrassed if
I was required to dismiss Mr. Slidell & not retain
him as a member of the commission. Inasmuch,
however, as he still objected to him, I told him I
was disposed to leave the question of instituting a
commission an open question, & that I would see
certain leading members of Congress & communi-
cate to them my desire to be authorized to appoint
a Lut. Gen'l of the army. Col. Benton thought Mr.
Crittendon could render important aid in eflecting
the object, and that it might be important to con-
fer with him freely but confidentially. I told him
that I had no objection that he should do so; and
said to him, if he did so, that he might intimate to
Mr. Crittendon that the institution of a commission,
to be composed of members of the two political
parties, to treat with Mexico was under consider-
ation by the Government, but was not yet deter-
mined upon, but that if resolved on he (Mr.
Crittendon) would probably be looked to as one of
the commissioners. This seemed to be satisfactory
to Col. Benton.
I received to-day the charge d'affaires of the
Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. He was presented
to me in the parlour below Stairs by the Secretary
of State. This is the first Diplomatic Pvcpresenta-
tive from that Kingdom who has ever been ac-
credited by [them to] the Government of the U.
States.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 271
Thursday, loth December, 184O. — A number of
members of Congress called and paid their respects
to-day. Many other persons called also. I was
engaged as usual in my office during the day.
I gave a Cabinet dinner to-day, at which all the
Cabinet except Atto. Gen'l Clifford were present.
Several Senators, and among them Mr. Benton and
Gen'l Cass, were of the part}*. Mr. Rush of Phil.
& other gentlemen were also of the pam*. Mrs.
Madison was present. The whole part}' consisted of
about 30 persons.
Friday, nth Deceryiber, 1846. — Both Houses of
Congress having adjourned over on yesterday until
monday next, a large number of members of both
H:u^;rs, and of both political parties, called 6c paid
their respects to-day. Many strangers also called.
Fr?m 10 OClock in the morning until 332 O'Clock
in the afternoon my office was not free from com-
pany. Among the number were, of course, some
office-seekers, who annoy me much.
This evening my drawing room was open for the
reception of company. Many persons, membei^ of
Congress & strangers, ladies & gentlemen, called.
I requested the Secretar\- of War to consult Gen'l
Cass this evening & obtain his opinion as to the
policy of appointing a Lieut. Gen'l of the army, &
a commission to treat with Mexico.
Saturday. i2ih December, !$40. — I received
company this morning up to the hour of the meeting
of the Cabinet, liz.,. 1 1 O'Clock A. M. Many mem-
272 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [12 Dec
bers of Congress called. At 11 O'Clock the Cab-
inet assembled, all the members present. Several
public subjects, chiefly connected with or relating
to the Mexican war, were the subject of consider-
ation.
At I O'clock P. M. a committee of the Regents
of the Smithsonian Institute called. The Com-
mittee consisted of Senator Evans of Maine, of
Representatives Hough of N. York & Owen of
Indiana. They submitted for the approval of the
President & the persons named in the act of the
last Session of Congress a Resolution proposing to
select as the site of the Smithsonian Institution that
portion of the public grounds on the Mall lying
between 7th and 12th Streets in the City of Wash-
ington, containing, as they stated, about 52 acres of
land. Mr. Buchanan & Mr. Burke (the commis-
sioner of the Patent office) objected to the selection
made by the Regents, and particularly to the quan-
tity of acres of land as being unnecessarally large.
Mr. Walker and Mr. Mason were willing to give
their assent to the selection of the site proposed,
though both preferred the situation between 12th &
14th Streets, containing about 32 acres. Mr. Marcy
preferred the site between 1 2th and 14th Street[s], but
did not say positively that he would withhold his
assent to the selection of the site which the Regents
proposed. The Committee after considerable dis-
cussion retired, upon the understanding that their
board would meet again in about a week and that
before that time a definitive answer would be given
to them by the gentlemen whose assent was required
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 273
by the act. After the committee retired the matter
was discussed, when it was ascertained that the
opinion was unanimous that the most eligible site
for the Institution was on the elevated ground be-
tween 1 2th and 14th Street[s]. Mr. Buchanan &
Mr. Burke were w^holly unwilling to give their as-
sent to the selection of the site between 7th & 12th
Streets, while all were of opinion that the site be-
tween 1 2th & 14th Streets was greatly to be pre-
ferred. Finally it was unanimously agreed that I
should inform the committee that our assent would
be given to the selection of the ground between 12th
& 14th Street[s] and extending West of 14th Street to
the Potomac River as the Site of the Institution,
with the proviso that the Washington monument
may be erected on that part of the ground West
of 14th Street and between that Street & the Potomac
River.
The Secretary of War informed me that he had
seen Gen'l Cass, as I had requested him to do on
yesterday (see diary of yesterday) in relation to the
policy or propriety of appointing a Lieut. Gen'l of
the army and a commission to treat with Mexico.
The Secretary reported that Gen'l Cass, though he
did not advise it, would not withhold his assent if
the Government desired it, but thought that others
would object, and that such a measure could not be
carried through Congress. His own assent, from
what the Secretary of War Reported to me, it was
manifest would be reluctantly given, & only because
the Government desired it.
274 JAMES K. POLKS DIARY [13 Dec.
Sunday, IJth December, 1 846. — Attended the
first Presbyterian church to-day in company with
Mrs. Polk and her niece, Miss Rucker.
Before church hour this morning Mr. xAtto. Gen'l
Clifford called and greatly surprised me by inform-
ing me that he had prepared his letter of resigna-
tion of the office of Attorney Gen'l of the U. S.,
and had called to confer with me on the subject. I
at once expressed my astonishment to him, and
told him I should greatly regret it, if he should take
such a step. I told him that I was entirely satisfied
with him, and hoped he would retain his place. He
read the letter to me, which he had prepared, but
did not offer to deliver it to me. In the letter he
tendered his resignation, but expressed his approba-
tion in unqualified terms of the whole course of my
administration; and also that his personal relations
with me, and with every member of the Cabinet,
were of the most friendly and agreeable character.
The letter did not contain the reasons for proposing
to resign. I understood distinctly, however, from
his conversation, that he had some apprehensions
that, having come into the office but a short time be-
fore the meeting of the Court, he might not be able
to sustain himself reputably. It seemed to be diffi-
dence in his own capacity, which had induced him to
think of resigning. I told him if he resigned now
it would be assumed by his political opponents that
he was not qualified, & that it would ruin him as a
public man. In the course of the conversation he
dropped a remark to the effect that perhaps I had
some other person in my mind who could perform
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 275
the duties better than he could. I told him I had
not, and that if he were to resign it would greatly
embarrass me. I think Mr. Clifford an honest man
and a sincere friend. He feels in his new position
somewhat timid, fears that he will not be able to
sustain the reputation of his predecessors, and had
therefore brought himself to the conclusion that he
had better resign. He finally concluded not to
tender his resignation, and retired apparently well
satisfied at the interview I held w4th him.
Monday, 14th December, 1 846. — My office was
open for the reception of company to-day. A large
number of members of Congress and strangers
called. I was receiving visitors until near 2 O'Clock
P. M., and in consequence of it [was] unable to give
any attention to business until after that hour. From
that time until night I was busily employed in dis-
posing of the business on my table. After night Mr.
Boyd of Ky., Mr. Cobb ^ of Georgia, Mr. Douglass
of Illinois, and Mr. Stanton of Tennessee, all mem-
bers of the Ho. Repts., called. They had been in-
vited by my Private Secretary at my request, to call.
I explained to them my embarrassment in conduct-
ing the war with the present officers, and consulted
them as to the propriety of passing a law authoriz-
ing the appointment of a Lieut. General to command
the army. I explained to them the objections to
Gen'l Taylor and Gen'l Scott, and the impossibility
of conducting the War successfully when the Gen-
^ Howell Cobb, 18 15-1868, Representative from Georgia 1843-
1851, Secretary of the Treasury 1857-1860.
276 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [15 Dec.
eral in Chief of the army did not sympathize with
the Government, and cooperate with it in the pros-
ecution of the War. This they fully appreciated,
but were unanimously of opinion that it would be
impossible to pass a law through Congress to author-
ize the appointment of a Lieut. General who should
supersede Generals Taylor & Scott. I urged them
to pass a law promptly appropriating the two mil-
lions of dollars for which I had asked in my mes-
sage; and also a law as recommended by the Secre-
tary of War to raise 10,000 men to serve during the
war with Mexico. To these measures they agreed,
and promised me to have these measures brought up
in Congress without delay. Gen'l Cass met me on
my walk this afternoon and returned with me to my
office. I consulted him as to the appointment of a
Lieut. General of the army. He was agreed to it,
but thought it could not pass Congress. He in-
formed me that the rumour was out in the City that
it was desired by the administration to have such an
office created, & that if it was created Col. Benton
was to be appointed. He had himself no objection
to this, but had heard the subject spoken of this after-
noon by Mr. Relfe of Mo., Mr. Dawson of Georgia,^
& Mr. McDowell ^ of Ohio, all of the Ho. Repts. &
all of whom were opposed to the measure.
Tuesday, /5M December, 1846. — Several mem-
bers of Congress called before the hour of the meet-
ing of the Cabinet this morning.
^William C. Dawson, Representative from Georgia 1836-
1841, Senator from Georgia 1849-1855.
^Joseph J. McDowell, Representative from Ohio 1843-1847.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 2^^
The Cabinet met at the usual hour (11 O'Clock
A. M.) all the members present. Several subjects
of some importance were considered, but which it is
not important to note.
After the Cabinet adjourned I was engaged in
disposing of the business on my table.
After night Senator Sevier of Arkansas called.
He had been chosen chairman of the committee of
Foreign Relations in the Senate on yesterday. I
had a long interview with him in relation to our
Foreign affairs, and especially in relation to the War
with Mexico. I communicated to him the embar-
rassments of conducting that war without a com-
mander who sympathized with the Government, and
in whom I could have confidence. I told him that
I could have no such confidence in Gen'l Taylor,
and that I had been compelled to send Gen'l Scott to
take the command of the army as a choice of evils,
he being the only man in the army who by his rank
could command Taylor. After communicating to
him all that had transpired he fully concurred with
me in opinion. He fully concurred, also, that I
ought to be authorized to appoint a Lieut. Gen'l to
command the army, and that Col. Benton ought to
be the man selected. I told him of the objections
which had been made by some members of the Dem-
ocratic party in Congress at [to] such a step. He
left me saying that he would on to-morrow converse
with some of the Democratic Senators, and en-
deavour to ascertain whether a law to authorize the
appointment of a Lieut. General could be passed by
Congress.
278 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i6 Dec.
This being reception evening a large number of
ladies & gentlemen, including many members of
Congress, called.
Wednesday, l6th December, 1846. — I came to
my office as usual, immediately after breakfast this
morning, and found a gentleman waiting in the anti-
room to see me. From that time until my dinner hour
at 4 O'clock P. M. my office was not clear of com-
pany. After dinner I took my usual walk. On my
return I found a member of Congress waiting to see
me. Until late bed time I had company. Since
the commencement of my Presidency, I have never
been so harassed and annoyed as during this day.
Among my visitors were many members of Con-
gress, either seeking petty appointments for their
friends or complaining of appointments which upon
the best lights before me I had made. I am thor-
oughly satisfied that the patronage of the Govern-
ment greatly weakens any President of the U. States,
so much so, indeed, that I doubt whether any Presi-
dent will ever again be re-elected. Members of
Congress and others occupying high positions in
Society, make representations to procure appoint-
ments for their friends, upon which I cannot rely,
& constantly lead me into error.^ I begin, more
than I have ever done before, to distrust the disin-
terestedness and honesty of all mankind. Some self-
^ Gillet, Life and Times of Silas Wright, 1662, says that Polk
on several occasions showed him papers strongly recommending
applicants for office " signed by men in New York standing high
in the estimation of the democracy, which were followed or some-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 279
ish or petty local feeling seems to influence even
members of Congress in their recommendations for
oflice, much more than principle. When I act upon
the information which they give me, and make a mis-
take, they leave me to bear the responsibility, and
never have the manliness to assume it themselves.
Senator Dix was here to-night, greatly dissatisfied
with the nomination of Henry K. Smith as Post
Master at Bufifalo in N. Y., which I had sent to the
Senate, and I think it probable will oppose his con-
firmation. This nomination I made on the last day
of the last Session of Congress, upon the rejection of
a former nominee, but it was not acted upon by the
Senate. I appointed him immediately afterwards,
but, although a good democrat, because he does not
suit the taste of Senator Dix I infer from the tone of
his conversation that with the aid of the votes of the
Federalists in the Senate he may attempt to cause
him to be rejected. Senator Dix was also much op-
posed to the nomination of Levi D. Slocum as a
Purser in the Navy, which I had had sent to the
Senate. Such petty annoyances trouble me much
more than the great principles upon which I admin-
ister the Government. There is more selfishness and
less principle among members of Congress, as well
as others, than I had any conception [of], before I
became President of the U. S.
times preceded by letters from one of the signers, requesting that
no attention be paid to their names because obtained under pres-
sure of circumstances, and not because the appointment ought to
be made."
28o JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [17 Dec.
Thursday, iph December, 1846. — I submitted
to-day to the usual trouble and annoyance of mem-
bers of Congress and others, who called as usual to
apply for petty offices for their friends. Many per-
sons called to pay their respects, both ladies and gen-
tlemen, and I was compelled wholly to neglect the
business on my table in receiving them. This I was
compelled to do or give offence. The day was spent
in this way, most unprofitably.
At 5 O'clock P. M. I had invited the Diplomatic
corps residing at Washington to dine with me. At
that hour they commenced assembling. All the
Foreign Ministers now in the City, with their wives
& those attached to their respective legations, at-
tended & dined with me. The Secretary of State
(Mr. Buchanan) and his chief clerk (Mr. Trist &
his wife) also dined with me.
Friday, l8th December, 1846. — The Senate hav-
ing adjourned over on yesterday until Monday
next, several Senators called on me,* some on busi-
ness and others to pay their respects. Some mem-
bers of the Ho. Repts. and many strangers called
also. My whole time until my dinner hour was con-
sumed in receiving & conversing with them. It was
a day spent without profit. Nothing annoys me so
much as to have my whole time occupied in seeing
company, and conversing about petty offices or mat-
ters that are immaterial. I would much prefer to
be relieved from this annoyance and to attend to the
business of the country. To avoid seeing the com-
pany who call, however, is impossible without giving
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 281
offence. I feel that I am compelled to yield to it,
and to deprive myself of the ordinary rest, in order
to attend to the indispensable duties which devolve
upon me.
This was reception evening. Many persons, mem-
bers of Congress, citizens and strangers, ladies and
gentlemen, called.
Senator Niles of Connecticut called to-day, and
1 had a long conversation with [him] about the
propriety of having authority from Congress to ap-
point a Lieut. General of the army; and about the
two million appropriation for which I had asked
Congress, as a means of making peace with Mexico.
He spoke in a friendly spirit, and was favourably
disposed to my views upon both subjects.
Saturday, igth December, 1846. — This was
Cabinet day, but I saw company until the hour of
their assembling. All the members of the Cabinet
attended. I brought before them the Resolution ^
of the Ho. Repts. of the 15th Inst., calling for in-
formation in relation to the Governments which had
been established by our military and naval com-
manders in the conquered provinces of Mexico.
Mr. Buchanan was of opinion that the Resolution
should not be answered. I differed with him in
opinion, and told him I had made up my mind to
send in all the information called for. The docu-
ments containing the instructions upon the subject,
and the Reports of our military and naval officers,
were read. Among them was a document from
^ Globej 29 Cong. 2 Sess. 33.
282 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [19 Dec.
Brigadier Gen'l Kearney, containing a form of Gov-
ernment over the conquered territory of New Mex-
ico, which among other things declared that terri-
tory to be a part of the U. S. and provided for the
election of a Delegate to the Congress of the U. S.
In these and some other respects he exceeded the
power of a military commander over a conquered
territory. It was agreed that in my message to Con-
gress I must disapprove this part of the Document,
though without censuring the Gen'l, who had mis-
conceived the extent of his authority, but who had,
no doubt, acted from patriotic motives. The sub-
ject in all its bearings, as well as the principles of in-
ternational law involved in it, were discussed at con-
siderable length, and were fully considered. I ad-
dressed a note to Senator Calhoun of S. C. this morn-
ing, requesting him to call on me to-day. He called
about 5 O'clock P. M. I stated to him my embar-
rassment in conducting the War with Mexico, when
I had to rely upon Gen'l Taylor and Gen'l Scott,
neither of whom had any sympathies with the Gov-
ernment, and the former of whom had already
thrown obstacles in the way of the prosecution of the
plans of the Government. I expressed to him my
desire to have authority from Congress to appoint a
Lieut. Gen'l to take command of the army, and told
him frankly that if I was invested with such author-
ity I would appoint Senator Benton of Missouri
to command. He was decidedly opposed to having
such an officer and gave his reasons for his opinion ^
^ For Calhoun's views on the Lieutenant General project see
Report of American Historical Association, 1899, II, 727.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 283
at some length. I found that his mind was settled
upon the subject, and chat it was useless to press it.
I next introduced the two million appropriation for
which 1 had asked with a view to negotiations with
Mexico. Of this he approved, and said he would
vote double that sum, or more if necessary. He said
he could not vote for it with the slavery restriction
which had been attached to a bill with the same ob-
ject in the Ho. Repts. near the close of the last ses-
sion of Congress, & that if such a restriction were
contained in any Treaty with Mexico, he would vote
against ratifying the Treaty. I told him that such
a restriction would be most mischievous, and would
probably defeat the object in view. I then asked
him what boundary I ought to insist upon in a Treaty
with Mexico, saying to him that I would be pleased
to have his opinion upon that point. He mentioned
Upper California as being important to us, and inti-
mated that he would be satisfied with the acquisi-
tion of that territory. I then told him that the
boundary which I proposed to obtain, if practicable,
would cede to the U. S. the Provinces of New Mex-
ico, Upper and Lower California. He said that
would be entirely satisfactory to him, and added
that he attached but little value to Lower California
and cared but little about it. I asked what sum I
should agree to pay for such a boundary, in addition
to the claims due to our own citizens & the expenses
of the War. He answered that he would pay a blind
sum, and would not stand on a few millions of dol-
lars. I told him if such a Treaty was made Slavery
would probably never exist in these Provinces. To
284 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 Dec.
this he readily assented, and said he did not desire
to extend slavery; but that if the slavery restriction
v^as put into a Treaty, it would involve a principle,
and that whatever the other provisions of the Treaty
were, he would vote against it. My conversation
with him was a frank & pleasant one. He was in a
good humour, talked in a pleasant tone, and, I in-
ferred, was pleased that I had sent for him.
Hon. Robert Dale Owen of In. [Indiana], one of
the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, called
and submitted to me for my approval, and that of
the members of the Cabinet named in the act of the
last Session upon that subject, another selection for
a site for the institution, which the Regents proposed.
The site now proposed contains about 16 acres, and
is the South half of the Mall between 9th and 12th
Streets in the City of Washington. He said he had
seen Mr. Burke, the commissioner of Patents, who
was willing to give his assent to this selection. When
the Cabinet met I submitted the proposed site to
them & they all assented.
Sunday, 20th December, 1 846. — I attended the
first Presbyterian church to-day in company with
Mrs. Polk and her niece. Miss Rucker. After din-
ner Senator Houston of Texas called, with whom I
had a conversation of an hour. I was not apprised
of his intention to call, until he came into my office.
After night the Hon. Mr. Douglass of Illinois
& the Hon. Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania, both
members of the Ho. Repts., called. I stated to them
confidentially the answer I would make to the Res-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 285
olution of the Ho. Repts. of the 15th Inst., in rela-
tion to the Governments established in the conquered
territories of Mexico. 1 submitted to them the doc-
uments which would accompany the message, and
particularly the form of Government established in
New Mexico by Gen'l Kearney, by w^hich he had
exceeded his authority, but no doubt with patriotic
intentions. I communicated the facts to them, that
they might be prepared to meet any attacks which
might be made by the opposition when the message
was sent in.
Monday, 2Tst December, 1 846. — Saw company
until 12 O'clock to-day. Many members of Con-
gress and citizens called.
At I O'clock P. M. the Secretary of State called
and presented to me Mr. Osma,^ Envoy Extraordi-
nary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the U. S. from
the Republic of Peru. I received him in the par-
lour below stairs. He made an address to me in
the French language. As I speak only the English
language I did not understand him, but as upon
such occasions of ceremony the interchange of civil-
ities is always substantially the same, I addressed him
in English, and as the Secretary of State, who un-
derstands French, afterwards informed me, I made
an appropriate reply.
I was engaged to-day in disposing of the business
on my table, and in preparing my message in answer
to the Resolution of the Ho. Repts. of the 15th Inst.,
in relation to the temporary Governments established
^ Don Joaquin Jose Osma.
286 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [22 Dec.
by our military commanders in the conquered Prov-
inces of Mexico. I requested my Private Secre-
tary to ask Col. Benton to call to-day. He called
about 3 O'clock P. M. I had a conversation with
him in relation to the propriety of creating a Lieut.
Gen'l of the army, and expressed to him my appre-
hensions, from what I had learned from members
of Congress, that such a proposition if made could
not pass Congress. Without expressing an Opinion
upon this point, he urged that I should make the
proposition at all events, and if Congress rejected it
the responsibility would be theirs, and the Country
would see that they had refused to grant to me the
means which I had asked in order to prosecute the
war. I found Col. B. fixed upon this point. If I
do not propose it, it is manifest from my interview
with him that both he and his friends will be greatly
dissatisfied. I told him it was a matter of too much
importance to decide without first consulting my
Cabinet, which I would do on to-morrow.
After dinner I spent the evening in seeing com-
pany and in disposing of the business on my table.
Tuesday, 22?iJ December, 1846. — I saw com-
pany this morning until near the hour of the meet-
ing of the Cabinet. Half an hour before the meet-
ing of the Cabinet I sent for Judge Mason, the Sec.
of the Navy, and consulted him as to the revised
draft of the message which I had prepared in an-
swer to the Resolution of the Ho. Repts. of the 15th
Inst., calling for information as to the Governments
which had been established over the territories of
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 287
Mexico which had been conquered by our arms.
Some verbal amendments were made at his sugges-
tion. The Cabinet assembled at the usual hour, all
the members present except the attorney Gen'l, w^ho
was absent attending the Supreme Court of the U. S.
I submitted to them the draft of my message, which
after one or two verbal corrections was agreed to
by all the Cabinet but Mr. Buchanan, who was in
favour of omitting the declaration that I had not
" recognized and approved " in its full extent the
form of Government which had been established by
Gen'l Kearney over the territory of New Mexico.
I sent the message ^ to Congress. The subject of
the two million appropriation which I had asked in
my annual message, with a view to effect a peace
with Mexico, was discussed. After full consider-
ation all agreed that unless it was ascertained that it
could pass Congress without being embarrassed with
the slavery restriction,- it had better not be brought
forward. Some other matters of minor importance
were considered. Senator Sevier of Ar. [Arkansas],
chairman of the committee of Foreign Affairs of
the Senate, called during the Sitting of the Cabinet.
I saw him for a few minutes in my Private Secre-
tary's office, and made an appointment to see him,
Gen'l Cass, & Senator Atherton, all of the Com-
mittee of Foreign affairs of the Senate, at 9 O'Clock
to-morrow evening.
This was reception evening. The Circular par-
lour was crowded with visitors, ladies and gentle-
^ Richardson, Alessages and Papers of the Presidents, IV, 506,
^ The reference is to the Wilmot Proviso.
288 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [23 Dec.
men. Many members of Congress, several Foreign
Ministers, and strangers were present. I observed
that very few Federal members of Congress were
present. This is probably to be attributed to the ex-
citement growing out of the party debate now going
on in the Ho. Repts., on the subject of the Mexican
War and my course in conducting it.
Wednesday, 2jrd December, 1846. — Many
members of Congress as well as strangers called this
morning. Among others Senator Archer called for
the first time during the present Session of Congress.
He explained to me the reason why he had not called
earlier. He said he had waited to see my message
in answer to the Resolution of the Ho. Repts. of the
15th Inst., in relation to the Governments established
by our military and naval commanders over the
Provinces of Mexico which they had conquered &
taken possession of. He said he had read my mes-
sage and the correspondence as published in the
morning paper & was entirely satisfied with my
course. He added that he could not have justified
me if I had approved the usurpation of some of
these officers, and as he had been personally intimate
with me, he had declined calling upon me until he
had learned what my course had been. Mr. Archer
is a peculiar man; but has always professed great
personal friendship for me. I disposed of several
small matters of business on my table to-day. After
night Mr. Wilmot of Pennsylvania called, and
shortly afterwards Mr. Ch. J. IngersoU came in.
Mr. Wilmot called by appointment, but the pres-
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 289
ence of Mr. IngersoU prevented me from having as
full a conversation with him as I desired. 1 did,
however, hold a conversation with him on the sub-
ject of slavery restriction, which had been attached
upon his motion at the last Session of Congress to
the Bill which proposed to appropriate two millions
of Dollars, with a view to enable the Executive to
make a Treaty with Mexico. He expressed an en-
tire willingness to vote for the appropriation with-
out the restriction, and said he would not again move
the restriction, but that if it was moved by others he
would feel constrained to vote for it. I told him I
did not desire to extend slavery, that I would be sat-
isfied to acquire by Treaty from Mexico the Prov-
inces of New Mexico & the Californias, and that in
these Provinces slavery could probably never exist,
and the great probability was that the question would
never arise in the future organization of territorial
or State Governments in these territories. I told
him that slavery was purely a domestic question, and
to restrict the appropriation which had been asked
for, so as to require the President to insert it in a
Treaty with a Foreign Power, was not only inap-
propriate and out of place, but that if such a Treaty
were made it must be opposed by every Senator
from a slave-holding State, and as one third of the
Senators could reject a Treaty it could not be rati-
fied, though it might be satisfactory in all other re-
spects. I told him that tramelled with such a re-
striction I could not use the appropriation at all and
would not do so. He said he would be satisfied
with a simple legislative declaration in the Bill of
290 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [23 Dec.
the sense of Congress, without requiring it to be in-
serted in the Treaty, or, if it was not moved by
others, he would be willing to vote for the appropri-
ation without such a restriction in any form. Mr.
Ingersoll expressed himself as opposed to such a re-
striction or declaration in any form, as being out of
place and unwise when attached to such a Bill. Mr.
Wilmot retired leaving Mr. Ingersoll. Mr. I. very
soon introduced the subject of the French Mission,
and applied to me in direct terms to appoint him. I
told him that there were some embarrassments about
it, and endeavoured to waive a direct answer, and
at the same time not to give him offence. He how-
ever pressed the subject, and said that when he de-
clined being nominated to the Senate two or three
days before the adjournment of the last Session of
Congress (see diary of the 8th of Aug't last) he had
calculated that I intended to nominate him to
France. I told him that when he withdrew his ap-
plication for the Russian Mission, that I had made
some general remark that if it should hereafter be in
my power to serve him I would be pleased to do so.
It is very painful to me to have an application made
face to face, by a gentleman of Mr. IngersoU's
standing, for an office which I cannot with pro-
priety bestow on him. There is great indelicacy in
such applications. I predict that in consequence of
his disappointment Mr. Ingersoll will be opposed
to my administration during the balance of my term.
Possibly this hostility may not show itself until after
the mission to France is filled, as he may still have
hope that he may yet get it.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 291
At 9 O'clock P. M. Senators Sevier, Cass, and
Atherton of the committee of Foreign affairs of the
Senate called in pursuance of an appointment which
I made with Mr. Sevier on yesterday. I had a long
conversation with them on the importance of obtain-
ing the appropriation of two millions of Dollars,
for which I had asked as a means of making peace
with Mexico. I repeated to them the views which
I had expressed this evening to Mr. Wilmot. The
difficulty was the Slavery restriction which had been
moved in the House when the subject was before
Congi-ess at the last Session. I informed [them]
that so important did I regard the appropriation that
upon it might depend a speedy peace, and that with-
out it the war with Mexico might be protracted for
an indefinite length of time. I gave my opinion
that no party which might be in power in Mexico
was strong enough to make peace and still retain
power, without money to feed, clothe, and pay the
army. I told them that a knowledge on the part
of the rulers of Mexico that upon concluding a sat-
isfactory Treaty of boundary, two or four millions
would be promptly paid, would induce them to make
a Treaty, because with the money they could secure
the support of the army and be able to retain power.
To this they all agreed. They agreed further that
the slavery restriction would be improper in a
Treaty, and all of them avowed their willingness to
vote for the appropriation in its unrestricted form.
They said they would report the Bill without the re-
striction, but that if it was moved in the Senate
Gen'l Cass & Mr. Atherton would be in great peril
292 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [24 Dec.
with their constitutents to vote against it. Mr.
Sevier felt no such embarrassment. He was op-
posed to the restriction in any form or shape. Gen'l
Cass ^ and Mr. Atherton agreed to consult the North-
ern Democratic Senators, and if they could induce
them to stand together & vote against the restriction
if moved in the Senate, they would do so. Some
further conversation occurred upon other topics con-
nected with our Foreign affairs.
Thursday, 24th December, 1846. — Many mem-
bers of Congress called as usual this morning. After
I O'clock P. M. I was enabled to devote some time
to the business on my table.
I had a Dinner party to-day. Between 30 & 40
persons, members of the two Houses of Congress and
several ladies of their families, dined with me.
Among others the Vice President, his wife and two
daughters, and the Speaker of the Ho. Repts. were
of the party. Mr. Calhoun, who was also of the
party, remained at my request after dinner until the
company had dispersed, when he [we] retired from
^ In the few months immediately following the first introduction
of the Wilmot Proviso Cass changed from his first attitude of
advocacy of the measure to one of direct opposition to it. Upon
its introduction, in August, 1846, he expressed his regret that the
course of events in the Senate had denied him the opportunity
of casting his vote for it. In the following session of Congress
he opposed it, however, basing his opposition on the ground of its
inexpediency. Finally, in his famous Nicholson letter of Decem-
ber, 1847, which won him the nomination of his party for the
Presidency in 1848, he took the ground that the measure was un-
constitutional.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 293
the parlour to my office. I resumed the conversa-
tion which I had with him a few days ago, about the
proper manner of conducting the Mexican War. 1
was particularly desirous to have his concurrence in
the proposition to create a Lieut. Gen'l to command
the army during the Mexican War. I found he still
had objections to it, which I fear he will not yield.
He expressed himself in favour of the policy of es-
tablishing a cordon of Military Posts ^ and holding
a sufficient territory to indemnify ourselves, instead
of making the crushing movement with a great
Army upon the City of Mexico. He thought there
were almost insuperable difficulties to the latter
policy, & that if pursued the war might be of indefi-
nite duration. My conversation with him was of a
friendly & pleasant character.
Friday, 2Sth December, 1 846. — Not more than
half a dozen persons called to-day, and they were on
business. It being Christmas day, the family at-
tended church. I remained in my office, attended
to some of the business on my table, & wrote a rough
draft of a message which I have made up my mind
to send to Congress recommending the appointment
of a Lieut. General of the army, who shall be com-
mander in chief during the war with Mexico; and
also recommending prompt action upon the recom-
mendations of the Secretary of War in his annual
Report.
^ For Calhoun's views at this time on the prosecution of the
war see his speech of February g, 1847, Globe, 29 Cong. 2 Sess.
^PP- 323. Also in Works, IV, 303-327.
294 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [26 Dec.
This was the regular evening for receiving com-
pany, but as it was a holiday, and our servants de-
sired to have it to themselves, the parlour was not
opened. Many persons, I learn, called at the door,
who were not received.
Saturday, 26th December, 1846. — Several mem-
bers of Congress called this morning. The Cabinet
assembled at the usual hour, all the members pres-
ent. Despatches which were received this morning
by the hands of a special messenger at the Navy De-
partment from Commodore Stockton commanding
our squadron on the Pacific coast, of dates coming
up to the 19th of September, 1846, were read by the
Secretary of the Navy. Despatches received last
night from our late Consul at the City of Mexico
(Mr. Black) of dates as late as the 17th of Novem-
ber, 1846, were read by the Secretary of State. The
latter despatches do not indicate any probability that
a speedy peace can be effected with Mexico. Vari-
ous matters connected with the military & naval op-
erations in Mexico were considered. I informed
the Cabinet that I had made up my mind to send a
message to Congress asking for prompt authority to
raise 10,000 men to serve as a part of the regular
army during the war with Mexico, in accordance
with the recommendation of the Secretary of War in
his annual Report, and for authority to appoint a
General in chief to command the army during the
war. To the latter no objection was made to-day.
The Attorney General (Mr. Clifford) who had
been absent attending the Supreme Court when the
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 295
subject was discussed on a former occasion, gave his
assent.
After night several members of Congress called, &
I discussed public subjects with them in my office.
Sunday, 27th December, 1 846.— I attended the
I St Presbyterian church to-day in company with
Mrs. Polk, her niece, Miss Rucker, and my nephew,
Marshall T. Polk.
Monday, 28th December, 1846. — An unusual
number of visitors called this morning, and among
them many members of Congress. With but few ex-
ceptions they were all on the business of seeking
office for their friends. I closed my office at 12
O'clock and disposed of a part of the business on
my table. I saw Senators Benton & Dix and in-
formed them that I would send a message to Con-
gress on to-morrow recommending the increase of
the regular army and the appointment of a Gen'l
Officer to take command of the army. Mr. Buchanan
called, and suggested some modifications in the Mes-
sage which I had prepared on the subject. After
night several members of Congress called. Judge
Mason called and aided me in revising the Message
which I propose to send to Congress on to-morrow.
Nothing of much interest occurred to-day.
Tuesday, 2Qth December, 1846.— Thh being the
regular day for the meeting of the Cabinet, I re-
solved not to receive company this morning. Sen-
ators and Representatives, however, called, &
296 JAMES K. POLKS DIARY [29 Dec.
were urgent to see me, and [I] was compelled
to yield or give them office [offence]. When
I did see them, I found that they were upon the very
patriotic & never ending business of seeking office
for their constituents and friends. Every day that I
remain in the Presidential office satisfies me more
and more of the selfishness and want of patriotism
of men high in office. To accomplish their own
selfish ends members of Congress constantly deceive
me in their recommendations for office, and the con-
sequence is that many bad appointments are made;
and when they are made, the whole responsibility
devolves on me, & those who have importuned me
to make them never assume any portion of the re-
sponsibility, but on the contrary in some instances
carefully conceal the fact that the obnoxious appoint-
ments have been made at their instance. I am dis-
gusted with the trickery and treachery practised
upon me by some members of Congress in their rec-
ommendations for office.
The Vice President (Dallas) called this morning
and informed me that he had learned through the
telegraph that Senator Barrow of Louisiana died at
5 O'clock this morning at Baltimore. Mr. Barrow,
I learn, left this City four or five days ago, appar-
ently in good health. It is represented to me that
the day before he left he was the bearer of a note
from Mr. Garret Davis of Ky. to Mr. Bailey of
Va. relating to a misunderstanding between these
gentlemen which had arisen in debate in the Ho.
Repts. Mr. Barrow, as I am informed, accom-
panied Mr. Davis to Baltimore as his second or
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 297
friend, it being expected that Mr. Bailey would fol-
low Mr. Davis to Baltimore, where the terms of a
duel or hostile meeting would be arranged. It was
in the prosecution of this unchristian object, that Mr.
Barrow was suddenly seized with disease and cut
off in the prime & vigour of life. I am a firm be-
liever that it was a judgment of Heaven upon the
immoral, unchristian, and savage practice of duel-
ling. Mr. Bailey, I learn, was arrested by the civil
authorities of this City and did not meet Mr. Davis
at Baltimore as the latter had anticipated he
would do.
My Private Secretary went to the Capitol to-day
with several Executive messages, and a message to
both Houses upon the subject of increasing the mil-
itary establishment & the appointment of a com-
manding Gen'l of the army, but before he reached
the Capitol, the Senate had adjourned (though he
reached [it] before i O'Clock P. M.) in consequence
of the intelligence of the death of Mr. Barrow,
though the event was not formally announced to the
Senate.
The Cabinet met at the usual hour to-day, all the
members present. Nothing of much importance
was considered to-day. Several matters of minor
importance were considered, and the members of the
Cabinet retired at an early hour.
This being the regular evening to receive com-
pany, a large number of persons, ladies and gentle-
men, called. The Circular parlour was quite filled.
The body of Senator Barrow, I learned, was
brought from Baltimore, where he died this morn-
298 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [30 Dec.
ing, in the evening train of cars & was placed in one
of the committee Rooms of the Capitol.
Wednesday, 30th December, 1846. — My office
was visited as usual by many persons this morning,
& among them were many members of Congress.
At 12 O'clock I directed my messenger to close my
door and to bring me in no names or cards of any
persons who called. I find this is the only plan by
which I can be permitted to have any time to attend
to my necessary public duties. As long as I keep my
doors open I am tormented by members of Con-
gress and others seeking for office. By refusing to
receive names or cards I may avoid giving ofifense,
because I do not know who calls. I had to-day sev-
eral hours of steady labour at the current business on
my table, in which time I disposed of several pardon
cases and despatched other business. No business,
I learn, was transacted in either House of Congress
to-day. Immediately after the meeting of the two
Houses the death of Senator Barrow of Louisiana
was announced, and both Houses adjourned. I was
notified by Mr. Mangum, chairman of the commit-
tee of arrangements, that the funeral ceremonies
would take place at the Capitol at 12 O'Clock on to-
morrow.
I had a Dinner party to-day, numbering between
30 & 40 persons. Among the guests were the Judges
of the Supreme Court of the U. S. and the ladies of
their families who were in the City; several Senators
and Representatives were also of the party.
1846] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 299
Thursday, Jlst December, 1846. — I saw com-
pany until 11^ O'clock this morning. At that
hour, accompanied by the members of my Cabinet,
I repaired to the Senate-chamber, where I attended
the funeral ceremonies of Senator Barrow of Lou-
isiana, who died at Baltimore on the morning of
tuesday last. The Rev'd Mr. Slicer, chaplain of the
Senate, performed [the] service, assisted by the
Rev'd Mr. Sprole, chaplain of the Ho. Repts. I
attended the remains of the deceased to the Con-
gressional burial ground, where the Rev'd Mr. Slicer
concluded the service. The day was damp and un-
pleasant, though not cold. The Secretary of State
and my Private Secretary rode with me in my car-
riage. It was near 3 O'Clock P. M. when I re-
turned to the President's mansion.
After night the Hon. Mr. Wilmot called & held a
long conversation with me on public subjects.
Friday, Ist January, 184'/. — The morning was
clear, and unusually mild for this season of the year.
According to an invariable custom which has been
observed by all my predecessors, the President's
mansion is thrown open for the reception of visitors
on the first day of every year. Neither House of
Congress ever sits on that day, and accordingly both
Houses adjourned over on yesterday. Between 11
& 12 O'clock A.M. the company commenced as-
sembling. In the course of an hour an immense
throng filled every hall and parlour in the House.
The foreign ministers attended in their full Court
300 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [2 Jan.
costumes. The Cabinet were of course present; as
also the Judges of the Supreme Court. Many Sen-
ators and Representatives in Congress attended, and
among them I observed an unusual number of the
Federal members. A large number of strangers as
well as citizens, including the subordinate officers of
Government were present. I stood on my feet
shaking hands with the immense crowd from 11^
O'clock A.M. till 3 O'clock P.M. I observed that
the only Federal members from Tennessee who at-
tended were Senator Jarnagin and Mr. Cocke of
the House of Repts. Mr. Cocke is the only mem-
ber of the Federal party of the House who has called
during the present Session, and he not until to-day.
A few minutes after 3 O'Clock P. M. Miss Latimer
called with 30 or 40 orphan children, male & female.
I received the children and shook hands with them,
having something to say to each one of them. About
4 O'clock P. M. the company had all retired. I
was very much exhausted by the fatigues of the day.
Saturday, 2nd January, 184^. — Several mem-
bers of Congress called this morning. At 11
O'clock A. M. the Cabinet met, this being the regu-
lar day of meeting. The subject of the Mexican
war was the subject of a long & free conversation,
and especially in regard to our future policy in con-
ducting it. Mr. Buchanan repeated the opinion
which upon several occasions before he had inti-
mated, that it was bad policy to think of marching
a great army on the City of Mexico; that if we could
do so, and take that City, we would but excite a
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 301
feeling against us of races & religions and would
probably be as far, if not further, from a peace than
we now were. His policy as he expressed it was
to hold New Mexico & the Californias & defend
them. He wished no more territory, but thought we
ought to encourage the other Northern Provinces to
revolt from Mexico and form an independant Gov-
ernment of their own, and that to effect this we
should furnish them aid & assistance. All the other
members of the Cabinet seemed to concur in these
views. The Secretary of War expressed the opinion
that he had no confidence in the success of an expedi-
tion on the City of Mexico. Mr. Walker seemed
to have changed his former opinion, & expressed his
concurrence with the Secretaries of State & War.
The P. Master Gen'l expressed his concurrence also
in these views. The Atto. Gen'l (Mr. Clifford) was
in favour of a bold movement on the City of Mexico,
and gave his reasons for this opinion, but said if it
was decided otherwise, his opinion would only be
known in the Cabinet, and that he would cooperate
with the other members of the Cabinet in carrying
out whatever was resolved upon. I stated that our
present object was to take & possess ourselves of Vera
Cruz, and that our future operations might be left
to be controlled by the circumstances existing after
we should have succeeded in capturing Vera Cruz.
The opinion was expressed by two or three members
of the Cabinet that the proposition to appoint a
Lieut. General of the army would fail in Congress.
To this I replied that, having made up my mind to
send a message to Congress asking authority to ap-
302 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [2 Jan.
point such an officer, I should send the message to
Congress which I had prepared some days ago rec-
ommending it. This all agreed I should do, after
what had occurred. Indeed my Private Secretary
went with the message to Congress on tuesday last
recommending it & an increase of the army, but did
not deliver it in consequence of the adjournment of
the Senate before he reached the Capitol. The Sen-
ate adjourned on that day immediately after meeting,
in consequence of the intelligence which had been re-
ceived that morning of the death of Senator Bar-
row at Baltimore. On Wednesday the death was
announced and both Houses adjourned. On thurs-
day the funeral took place & no business was done
in either House, & the Senate adjourned over until
monday next. The delivery of my message is there-
fore necessarily delayed until monday next, which
I much regret.
I remarked to the Cabinet that the season for
active operations of an army in Mexico was rapidly
passing away; that the term of service of the volun-
teers now in the field would expire in June next, &
that it was very important that provision should be
made to have troops to take their places before the
end of the healthy season. As neither N. Carolina
nor Massachusetts had yet responded to the requisi-
tion upon them for Volunteer Regiments, though the
call was made a month & a half ago, and as it was
by no means certain that these as well as some of
the other states called upon would furnish the troops
called for, it becomes very important that these de-
ficiencies should be speedily supplied. Pennsylva-
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 303
nia has acted nobly. The first call was for one Regi-
ment, which was promptly furnished; a second
Regiment was received, and now a third is offered.
One Regiment called for from Virginia has been
raised, and an additional battallion is now offered.
I expressed the opinion that the additional forces
tendered from these states should be received. The
Secretary of War expressed the opinion that they had
better not be received until Congress should act upon
the recommendations of the Message which I pro-
pose to send to Congress on to-morrow. I assented
to postpone receiving these troops for a few days, to
see whether Congress would act promptly or not.
The state of the finances was considered. The Sec-
retary of the Treasury expressed the opinion that it
would be with great difficulty that a loan could be
effected, if Congress refused to levy a duty on tea
and coffee. The Cabinet adjourned at 2 O'Clock
P.M.
Senator Cass & Cameron and Representatives
Martin of Tennessee and Houston of Alabama
called at different hours after night, with each of
whom I held conversations in relation to the war, the
manner of prosecuting it, and upon other public
subjects.
After a labourious day, and one of great anxiety
because of the importance of the subjects which oc-
cupied me, I retired about 11 O'Clock, much fa-
tigued & exhausted.
Sunday, Jr^ January, 184J. — Attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day in company with Mrs.
304 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [4 Jan.
Polk, her niece, Miss Rucker, and Rachel Henrietta
Armstrong, a little girl, daughter of Gen'l Robt.
Armstrong, U. S. consul at Liverpool. Miss Arm-
strong is at a school in Georgetown, but frequently
comes over and spends a day or two with us.
Monday, 4th January, 184J. — I received com-
pany as usual this morning. A large number of
members of Congress called. About 11 O'Clock
A.M. the Secretary of War called on official business,
and I directed my porter to close my doors & admit
no more company to-day. I was engaged more than
an hour with the Secretary of War. I sent to the
Senate to-day a large number of nominati-ons, some
of them for civil offices, but chiefly for military ap-
pointments, in the line and by brevet. I sent also
to both Houses a message ^ recommending prompt
action by Congress for the increase of the regular
army, and recommending also that authority be given
to appoint a general officer to command all our mili-
tary forces, regular & volunteer, during the War
with Mexico, and to be disbanded upon the conclu-
sion of a Treaty of peace.
My Private Secretary returned from the Capitol
and informed me that Mr. Preston King of New
York had introduced into the Ho. Repts. a Bill ^ on
the subject of slavery, which had produced much
sensation in the body. He informed me also that
Mr. Hamlin,^ a Representative from the State of
^ Globe, 29 Cong. 2 Sess. 104.
^ Globe, 29 Cong. 2 Sess. 105.
^ Hannibal Hamlin, Senator from Maine 1848-1861, and
1869-1881, Vice-President of the United States 1861-1865.
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 30S
Maine, had made a speech against the Bill recom-
mended by the Secretary of War for increasing the
Regular army to serve during the War. Mr. Ham-
lin professes to be a democrat, but has given indica-
tions during the present session that he is dissatisfied,
and is pursuing a mischievous course, not only in this
instance, but on the slavery question, as well as upon
other matters. The slavery question is assuming a
fearful & most important aspect. The movement of
Mr. King to-day, if persevered in, will be attended
with terrible consequences to the country, and can-
not fail to destroy the Democratic party, if it does
not ultimately threaten the Union itself. Slavery
was one of the questions adjusted in the compromises
of the Constitution. It has, and can have no legiti-
mate connection with the War with Mexico, or the
terms of a peace which may be concluded with that
country. It is a domestic and not a foreign question,
and to connect it with the appropriations for prose-
cuting the war, or with the two million appropria-
tion with a view to obtain peace, can result in no
good, but must divide the country by a sectional line
& lead to the worst consequences. Of course the
Federalists are delighted to see such a question agi-
tated by Northern Democrats because it divides and
distracts the Democratic party and increases their
prospects of coming into power. Such an agitation
is not only unwise, but wicked. I sent for Mr. Clif-
ford, the Attorney General, to-night and had a full
conversation with [him] upon the course of Mr.
King of N. York & Mr. Hamlin of Maine. He
agreed with me that it was deeply to be regretted,
3o6 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [5 Jan.
and said he would see Mr. Hamlin and some other
Northern members to-night or in the morning, &
expostulate with them upon their course.
Mr. Hamlin's grievance I understand is that I did
not appoint some friend of his in Maine, whom he
had recommended, to some petty office last winter.
Thus upon small and selfish personal grounds even
members of Congress change their political prin-
ciples.
Owing [to] this and similar causes Congress have
not yet acted upon a single one of my recommenda-
tions for the prosecution of the War, and are likely
to sufifer the favourable season for military opera-
tions in the enemy's country [to] pass away, before
they do so. Whilst they neglect to do this, they are
agitating the slavery question, which has nothing to
do with the practical business before them. The next
Presidential election, too, has much to do with these
agitations. The Cliques attached to their favourites
for the Presidency in the Democratic party are at
war with each [other], and the war, the means of
prosecuting it, and all the other business of the coun-
try are overlooked and neglected. While this is so,
the Federalists are united, and delighted at the un-
necessary and foolish divisions in the Democratic
party. I deplore this state of things; I will do all
I can to correct it; I will do my duty and leave the
rest to God and my country.
Tuesday, 5M January, 184 J. — Several members
of Congress and other persons called this morning.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 307
The Cabinet met at the usual hour. The Secretary
of War read despatches which had been received
from Gen'l Taylor and Gen'l Wool. From them it
appears that Gen'l Taylor has paid no regard to the
vnevvs of the Government, but has dispersed the troops
in small bodies at different and distant points from
each other, so that great apprehensions are enter-
tained that they are so exposed that some portion of
them may be cut ofif by the superior numbers of the
enemy. It is manifest that Gen'l Taylor is wholly
incompetent for so large a command. He seems to
have no mind or powers of combination. The Sec-
retary of War having learned that his forces were
too much dispersed, wrote to Gen'l Scott some days
ago urging that they should be concentrated, so as
to [be] less exposed, and with the view to the expedi-
tion against Vera Cruz. Gen'l Taylor, by dispers-
ing his forces into small bodies, has acted directly
against the views of the Government, and contrary
to his own views as communicated to the Govern-
ment, that he could not advance beyond Monterey
with safety.
The distracted state of the Democratic party in
Congress was the subject of conversation and regret.
The truth is there is no harmony or concert of ac-
tion among the Democratic members. It is now in
the fifth week of the Session, and they have passed
no single act in accordance with my recommenda-
tions to enable me to prosecute the war with Mexico
with vigor and success. The[y] have voted in the
Ho. Repts. that it is inexpedient to levy a war tax
/
3o8 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [s Jan.
on tea and coffee,^ as recommended in my message
and strongly urged by the Secretary of the Treasury.
The Bill for the increase of the army drags on in de-
bate in the Ho. Repts. and its fate is even said to be
doubtful.
The Slavery question has been introduced in the
Ho. Repts. by Mr. Preston King of New York and
is a fire-brand in the body. Slavery has no possible
connection with the Mexican War, and with making
peace with that country. Should any territory be
acquired by a Treaty with Mexico, Congress will
have the full power to raise the question of slavery
in it upon the organization of a territorial Govern-
ment in it, or upon its admission as a state of the
Union. Its introduction in connection with the
Mexican War is not only mischievous but wicked.
It is, moreover, practically an abstract question.
There is no probability that any territory will ever
be acquired from Mexico in which slavery could
ever exist. New Mexico and California is all that
can ever probably be acquired by Treaty, and in-
deed all that I think it important to acquire. In
these Provinces slavery would probably never exist,
and therefore the question would never arise. The
dangers of the introduction of the subject were fully
considered by the Cabinet. Mr. Buchanan urged
the importance and necessity of Congress declaring
that we would hold these Provinces as indemnity,
and establishing [establish] Governments there, sub-
^ The vote against the measure was 105-49. H. Journal, 29
Cong. 2 Sess. 120.
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 309
ject to the provisions of a treaty of peace. He fur-
ther expressed his willingness to extend the Mis-
souri compromise West to the Pacific. All the
members of the Cabinet agreed with him in these
views. The Post Master Gen'l was willing to ac-
quire these Provinces & agreed that slavery should
never exist in them. I suspended any decision on
the subject, though it was earnestly urged by Mr.
Buchanan and Mr. Walker. Though willing my-
self to assent to the proposition, I was not ready, until
I saw further developments, to recommend it to
Congress as the policy of the administration.
Col. Benton called after night and held a long
conversation with me upon this and other subjects.
I suggested Mr. Buchanan's proposition to him as
my own suggestion, and asked his opinion, telling
[him] at the same time that if adopted I did not in-
tend that it should interfere with the vigorous prose-
cution of the War. I suggested it with a view to
see if any compromise upon the slavery question,
which had been introduced into the Ho. Repts.
[would have his support]. He told me he would
consider of it and give me his opinion hereafter.
Wednesday, 6th January, 1847. — O^ returning
from my usual walk this morning, I received in the
letter box at my front door a note from Col. Benton
stating in substance that he was surprised to learn,
on his return home from my office last evening, that
the same thing which I had suggested to him for his
opinion last night in relation to taking possession of
310 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [6 Jan.
New Mexico & California as an indemnity for our
claims and the expenses of the Mexican war, had
been a subject of conversation among the members
of the Ho. Repts. for some days past. He expressed
the opinion that the suggestion had been used by
members of the Ho. Repts. as an argument to defeat
the creation of the office of Lieut. General. He ex-
pressed the opinion that strange work had been go-
ing on & that he would endeavour to find out the
facts. It was a singular note, & I will preserve [it].
The inference which I drew from it was that Col.
Benton suspected that I had made the suggestion in
order to defeat the Bill to authorize the appointment
/ of a Lieut. Gen'l. I sent my Private Secretary down
to see him. He explained to him that he meant no
such thing in his note. He could not have done so
with any truth or in justice to me, and yet his note
unexplained was susceptible of that construction.
My office was crowded with an unusual number
of members of Congress & others to-day. The busi-
ness of a large majority of them was the very patri-
otic one of seeking offices for their friends. I am
perfectly disgusted with the unceasing and never-
ending applications for office, which are constantly
made to me. My whole time was occupied to-day
in listening to such applications. During the whole
day and until after lo O'Clock at night, I had not
an hour to attend to the business on my table. I
was greatly annoyed and my patience perfectly ex-
hausted.
Judge Douglass of Illinois called this morning to
renew his urgent request that I would appoint Rich-
i847j JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 3"
ard M. Young ^ of Illinois Commissioner of the
General Land ofBce, in place of Gen'l Shields re-
signed. Senator Breese and Mr. Douglass had been
urging me to make this appointment from the com-
mencement of the present Session of Congress.
Each of them had held repeated conversations with
me & were very pressing and urgent on the subject.
Judge Young was formerly U. S. Senator and was
[is] at present a Judge of the Supreme Court of Illi-
nois. They informed me that he would be univer-
sally acceptable to the Democracy of Illinois, that
he was eminently qualified, and a gentleman of high
character. In answer to an enquiry made of them
by me some days ago, whether the Illinois delega-
tion in Congress would be satisfied with the appoint-
ment, they answered that they would if Mr. Hoge,^
a member of the present Congress, who had been rec-
ommended at the last Session, could not be ap-
pointed. I informed them that I had decided at the
last Session not to appoint members of Congress to
office, unless in excepted & special cases, for instance
to such offices as Missions abroad, members of the
Cabinet, or Judges of the Supreme Court of the U. S.
I took it for granted & had not the least doubt that
they had consulted the delegation from Illinois in
relation to the appointment which they were urg-
ing. Certainly I had no right to think otherwise.
On Monday last each of them called, and insisted
on the appointment of Judge Young. I told Judge
^Senator from Illinois 1837-1843; Commissioner of the Gen-
eral Land Office 1 847-1 850.
^Joseph P. Hoge, Representative from Illinois 1843-1847.
312 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [6 Jan.
Douglass, as I had before told Judge Breese, that
my own choice was Mr. John B rough of Ohio, be-
cause of his eminent qualifications, but neither of
them would consent to his appointment. I sug-
gested to them that I might possibly have it in my
power to appoint Judge Young a charge abroad, but
they would not agree to it. This morning Judge
Douglass called on the subject again, and I felt my-
self constrained to yield to the appointment of Judge
Young, not doubting for a moment but that the Illi-
nois delegation were apprised that his appointment
was pressed upon me by Messrs. Breese & Douglass.
I accordingly sent the nomination of Judge Young
for the office to the Senate to-day, and, what is very
unusual, I received a notification by the hands of the
Secretary of the Senate that his nomination had been
confirmed before 5 O'Clock. About dark Messrs.
McClernand, Smith, & Ficklin of the Illinois dele-
gation called, and were greatly excited on the sub-
ject. I stated to them the facts as they were, and
assured them that I supposed they had been informed
& understood that Judge Young had been pressed
upon me by Judge Breese & Judge Douglass. They
declared that they had no knowledge of it until they
heard to-day the nomination had been made & con-
firmed. They were very indignant and spoke in
strong terms of the conduct of Messrs. Breese &
Douglass, and said they had slipped up to me with-
out their knowledge and induced me to make the
nomination. They were much excited, though they
said they had no personal objection to Judge Young.
I assured them that I should not have made the
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 313
nomination without consulting them, if I had not
supposed that Messrs. Douglass & Breese had in-
formed them of it. I now consider that Messrs.
Douglass and Breese have acted badly towards the
delegation and towards me. There has been a want
of fairness and open dealing in the matter that is
unworthy of members of Congress, but I have learned
by painful experience that I am daily imposed upon
in reference to appointments, by members of Con-
gress who have their selfish ends to accomplish. In
this case Mr. McClernand intimated that it was
the result of a bargain between Judge Douglass and
Judge Young to prevent the latter from opposing the
former in the late election for the U. S. Senate in
Illinois, at which Judge Douglass was elected; and
that it was the result of a bargain between Judge
Breese & Young to prevent the latter from opposing
the former in his re-election to the Senate. I now
regret exceedingly that I nominated Judge Young,
and if he had not been confirmed by the Senate in
unusual haste, on the day he was nominated, I would
withdraw the nomination. I regret this occurrence,
because, unexplained, I must have a bad opinion of
the conduct of both Judge Bre[e]se & Mr. Doug-
lass. Messrs. McClernand, Smith, & Ficklin, who
called tonight, are among the best democrats &
friends I have in Congress. I will upon the first op-
portunity express my dissatisfaction at the course of
Messrs. Douglass & Breese to those gentlemen.
Thursday, yth January, 184J. — Many persons,
members of Congress and others, called to-day; all
314 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [7 Jan.
of them or nearly all on what they may regard as
the patriotic, but which I consider the contemptible
business of seeking office for themselves or their
friends. The passion for office and the number of
unworthy persons who seek to live on the public is
increasing beyond former example, and I now pre-
dict that no President of the U. S. of either party
will ever again be reelected. The reason is that the
patronage of the Government will destroy the popu-
larity of any President, however well he may ad-
minister the Government. The office seekers have
become so numerous that they hold the balance of
power between the two great parties of the country.
In every appointment which the President makes
he disappoints half a dozen or more applicants and
their friends, who, actuated by selfish and sordid
motives, will prefer any other candidate in the next
election, while the person appointed attributes the
appointment to his own superior merit and does not
even feel obliged by it. The number of office seek-
ers has become so large that they probably hold the
balance of power between the two great parties in
the country, and if disappointed in getting place
under one administration they will readily unite
themselves with the party and candidate of opposite
politics, so as to increase their chances for place.
Another great difficulty in making appointments
which the President encounters is that he cannot tell
upon what recommendations to rely. Members of
Congress and men of high station in the country sign
papers of recommendation, either from interested
personal motives or without meaning what they say,
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 315
and thus the President is often imposed on, and in-
duced to make bad appointments. When he does
so the whole responsibility falls on himself, while
those who have signed papers of recommendation
and misled him, take special care never to avow the
agency they have had in the matter, or to assume
any part of the responsibility. I have had some re-
markable instances of this during my administration.
One or two of them I think worthy to be recorded
as illustrations of many others. In the recess of
Congress shortly after the commencement of my ad-
ministration I made an appointment upon the let-
ter of recommendation of a senator. I sent the nomi-
nation to the Senate at the last session & it was re-
jected, and, as I learned, at the instance of the same
Senator who had made the recommendation. A few
days afterwards the Senator called to recommend
another person for the same office. I said to him,
well, you rejected the man I nominated; O yes, he
replied, he was without character & wholly unquali-
fied. I then asked him if he knew upon whose rec-
ommendation I had appointed him, to which he re-
plied that he did not. I then handed to him his
own letter & told him that that was the recommenda-
tion upon which I had appointed him. He ap-
peared confused and replied, Well, we are obliged
to recommend our constituents when they apply to
us. The Senator was Mr. Atchison of Missouri,
and the person appointed & rejected was Mr. Hedges
as Surveyor of the port of St. Louis. ^ Other like
^ This sentence is crossed out after having been written in the
Diary by President Polk.
316 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [8 Jan.
cases have occurred. After 12 O'Clock to-day I was
busily employed in disposing of the business on my
table. Nothing worthy of note occurred.
Friday, 8th January, 184'/. — A large number of
persons, members of Congress and citizens, ladies
and gentlemen, called this morning. My time was
occupied in seeing company until near i O'Clock
P. M. After that hour I was occupied an hour or
more on business with the Secretary of War. I dis-
posed of much business on my table. About 2)4
O'clock P. M. Senator Houston of Texas called and
informed me that Judge Bowlin ^ of Missouri &
himself were a committee to wait on me, and invite
me to attend the 8th of January Ball at Jackson Hall
in this City to-night. He desired to know if I would
attend, and at what hour they should call for me.
He informed me that Judge Bowlin was necessarily
detained in the Ho. Repts. & had requested him to
say so to me. I answered that my respect for the
anniversary of the Victory of New Orleans was
such as to make it my duty as well as my inclina-
tion to attend its celebration, and that I should be
ready to accompany the committee at such hour as
they might designate, Gen'l Houston said the
committee would call between 8 & 9 O'Clock this
evening.
This being my regular reception evening, I saw
company in the parlour until a few minutes after 9
O'clock, when Senator Houston & Judge Bowlin of
^ James Butler Bowlin of St. Louis, Judge of the Criminal
Court 1839, Representative from Missouri 1 843-1 851.
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 317
Missouri called as a committee to attend me to the
8th of Jan'y Ball at Jackson Hall. I made my
apology to the company and retired with them. My
Private Secretary and Mrs. Walker and Miss
Rucker also accompanied us. The Ball was not very
numerously attended. I observed but one Federal
member of Congress (Senator Johnson of Louisi-
ana) present. On entering the room most of the
company, ladies [and gentlemen], came to me and
shook hands with me, and 1 was enjoying myself
very much when my niece. Miss Rucker, came to
the part of the room in which I was [and] told me
that there was smoke in another part of the room,
as [and] that the House was on fire. At first I sup-
posed she was mistaken, but in a very short time
afterwards, observing a part of the company mov-
ing towards the Door, Mrs. Judge Catron, with
whom I was sitting on a sofa, walked towards the
Door also. Shortly after reaching the top of the
stairs, a person below called out for the company to
come down. I went down with Mrs. Catron, went
to my carriage, and we got into it. I observed a
large volume of smoke issuing from the basement.
The fire companies with their engines were as-
sembling, and [after] remaining a few minutes I
directed my coachman to drive to Coleman's Hotel
where Mrs. Catron got out, and I returned home.
Col. Walker, Mrs. Walker, and Miss Rucker had
reached home a few minutes before me. The fire,
I learn, was extinguished in a short time; a part of
the company reassembled and continued the festivi-
ties of the evening until a late hour.
318 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [9 Jan.
Saturday, gth January, 184^. — Saw company as
usual until the meeting of the Cabinet this morning.
Many members of Congress & others called. The
Cabinet met at the usual hour, all the members pres-
ent. Nothing of importance came up to-day. After
spending one or two hours in general conversation
on public subjects the Cabinet retired. Between 5
& 6 O'clock P. M. my Private Secretary returned
from the Capitol and Reported to me that the Ho.
Repts. had just adjourned after a very hard strug-
gle which had lasted for several hours on the army
Bill. Mr. Rathbun of New York had moved an
amendment to the Bill brought in in pursuance of
the recommendation of the Secretary of War, which
I had endorsed in my annual message & also in a
special message of the 4th Inst., to raise 10 Regi-
ments of Regular troops to serve during the War, by
substituting therefor authority to raise the same num-
ber of volunteers. Had this amendment prevailed
it would have been equivalent to doing nothing, or
rather to the total defeat of the measure, for I have
already authority, under the act of June last, to call
for volunteers. My Private Secretary reported to
me that [the] whole Federal party without an ex-
ception voted for Rathbun's amendment, that a small
part of the Democratic members had voted with
them, and that the amendment failed of being carried
by a single vote. That part of the Democrats who
voted with Rathbun & the united Federal party are
almost without exception disaflfected and unsound
men. The causes of their 'disafTfection are petty
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 319
griefs at not having their wishes gratified in ap-
pointments to office for themselves, or not getting
petty offices for their constituents and friends. A
part of the New York Democratic members are in
a bad temper, and I consider their course at the pres-
ent session more hostile to my administration and
calculated to do much more harm than if they were
open political opponents. In this class are Messrs.
Rathbun, King, Grover, & some others. The course
in this measure of Messrs. McClernand, Ficklin, &
Smith of the Illinois delegation would have aston-
ished me, if anything could after all that I have seen
of the selfish & personal considerations which in-
fluence members of Congress on great measures of
the Government. These gentlemen I have regarded
as among the truest Democrats in the House. They
voted with Rathbun, the Federalists, & Co. on this
occasion. The cause of it, I cannot doubt, was my
appointment of Judge Young of Illinois a few days
ago to be commissioner of the General Land office,
with whose appointment they were much dissatisfied.
(see this diary of the 6th Inst., for a statement of
the facts attending that appointment.) What con-
nection this appointment had with the prosecution
of the War with Mexico no one can tell. Yet I
have not a doubt that these Gentlemen vented their
spite towards me in consequence of that appointment,
by joining their political enemies and the unsound
portion of their own party by voting against the army
Bill to carry on the War against Mexico. Mr.
Hoge of Illinois voted with them. He was an ap-
320 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo Jan.
plicant for the appointment of Commissioner of
Public lands & was disappointed. He therefore
showed his patriotism by voting against his country,
and the furnishing the means to enable the Govern-
ment to fight its battles against a Foreign enemy. It
is sickening to the heart of the patriot to witness,
as I have done during my term, the numerous in-
stances which have occurred in which members of
Congress elected as Democrats have voted against
the measures of the Government because they had
been disappointed in their selfish applications for
office for themselves and their friends. Many of
them are Governed by no fixed principles, but are
sordid & selfish, if not worse, in all they do. Fortu-
nately the combination in the House to-day failed by
one vote to effect the defeat of this indispensable war
measure of the Government.
Senator Dix of N. York happened to be in my
office when my Private Secretary informed me of the
proceedings of the House to-day. I expressed my
utter surprise to him at the course of Rathbun, King,
& others of the New York delegation, and told him
I could attribute it to nothing but some petty disap-
pointment about some petty offices. He expressed
his dissatisfaction also, and said he would see them
to-night or to-morrow. My Private Secretary did
not speak of the course of the Illinois members,
named above, in the presence of Senator Dix.
Sunday, lOth January, 184J. — I attended the
first Presbyterian church to-day in company with
Mrs. Polk & her niece. Miss Rucker.
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 321
Monday, nth January, 184"/. — Saw company
to-day until 12 O'Clock. Many persons, members
of Congress and others, called.
Immediately after 12 O'Clock the Secretary of
War & the Secretary of the Navy called. The Sec-
retary of the Navy read to me the rough draft of a
despatch which he had prepared to Commodore
Stockton in the Pacific, defining his rights and pow-
ers over the Province of the Californias which he
had conquered. This despatch embodies the laws
of nations on the subject. I assented to the general
principles which it embodied. The Secretary of
War said he would address a similar communication
to Gen'l Kearney as applicable to the Province of
New Mexico, which he had conquered. The Sec-
retary of the Navy said he would revise and copy
the rough draft of his despatch which he had read
to me & would show it to me before he sent it off.
I told him that I desired that he would do so. I
spent the balance of the day in disposing of the busi-
ness on my table, and despatched many minor mat-
ters v/hich had been on my hands for some time.
Indeed I almost cleared my table.
After night Mr. Ch. J. IngersoU called & I had
a long conversation with him in relation to public
affairs, and particularly upon the subject connected
with the Mexican War, now pending before Con-
gress. I sent for Senator Cass to-night [and] had
a similar conversation with him. After 10 O'Clock
P. M. I retired from my ofiice feeling that I had
performed a good day's work.
222 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [12 Jan.
Tuesday, 12th January, 1847. — I learned with
deep regret that Senator Pennybacker of Virginia
died at his lodgings in this City at 5 O'Clock this
morning. He had been ill for some days. The last
time he visited my office he was labouring under an
attack of yellow jaundice and was very yellow. He
was an excellent man, and was my personal and
political friend. None of his friends will deplore
his loss more than I do. I saw company until the
hour of the meeting of the Cabinet to-day. Several
members of Congress & others called.
The Cabinet assembled at the usual hour. The
Secretary of the Navy read the despatch to Commo-
dore Stockton, commanding our Naval forces in the
Pacific, which he had prepared, and the rough draft
of which he read to me on yesterday. It defined
more at length than had heretofore been done the
powers and rights of our naval and military com-
manders in establishing temporary Governments over
the Californias and other provinces of Mexico which
had been conquered by our arms. It was slightly
modified in one or two particulars, and as modified
was unanimously agreed to by the Cabinet. My
Private Secretary went to the Senate to-day with sev-
eral Executive Messages, containing an answer ^ to
a call of the Senate for the correspondence with the
Government of New Granada, & several nomina-
tions, which he did not deliver in consequence of the
adjournment of the Senate, in consequence of the
announcement of the death of Senator Pennybacker,
immediately after the meeting of the Senate. T was
^ Richardson, Messages and Papers of the Presidents^ IV, 509.
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 323
notified by the committee of arrangements this even-
ing that the funeral of Senator Pennybacker would
take place at the Senate chamber at 12 O'Clock on
to-morrow. Neither House sat to-day in conse-
quence of the announcement of this death.
This was reception evening. Many persons, la-
dies and gentlemen, called. My old Congressional
acquaintance, Gen'l Walter Coles ^ of Va., with
whom I served many years in Congress, took a fam-
ily Dinner with me to-day.
I omitted to state in the proper place that Mr.
Buchanan in Cabinet to-day recited the substance of
a conversation held with him last night by Col. Ato-
cha formerly of Mexico, and recently from Havana,
in which he professed to disclose to him the views
and opinions of Santa Anna & Almonte, in favour
of peace between the two countries. Mr. Buchanan
said that Col. Atocha said he had in his pocket let-
ters from Santa Anna and Almonte and Rigon,
but did not show them. Atocha also told him
that he intended to see Col. Benton on to-morrow.
I requested Mr. Buchanan to address a note to
Col. B. requesting him to get a perusal of the let-
ters which Atocha professed to have from Santa
Anna, &c.
Wednesday, IJth January, 184^. — Saw com-
pany until iiYz O'clock A. M., when, accompanied
by my Cabinet, I went to the capitol and attended
the funeral services occasioned bv the death of Sena-
^Walter Coles, 1789-1857, Representative from Virginia,
1835-1845.
324 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [14 Jan.
tor Pennybacker of Virginia. The Rev'd Mr. Sli-
cer, chaplain of the Senate, opened the service with
an appropriate prayer, and the Rev'd Mr. Sprole,
chaplain of the Ho. Repts., preached a sermon on
the immortality of the soul. I accompanied the pro-
cession to the Congressional burial ground, and re-
turned to the President's Mansion about 3 O'Clock
P. M. Judge Mason was the only member of my
Cabinet who accompanied me to the Grave Yard.
The other members of the Cabinet were called to
their respective offices by their public duties.
I devoted the remainder of the day until night in
disposing of the business on my table. After night
an unusual number of members of Congress called,
who wished to see me on various matters of business,
and to converse with me about the measures now
before Congress with a view to the prosecution of
the War with Mexico. At a later hour than usual
I retired from my office.
Thursday, 14th January, 184J. — I saw company
until 12 O'clock to-day. I had the usual round of
visitors, members of Congress and others, some seek-
ing office and others on visits of ceremony. After
12 O'clock I was not interrupted by company until
night, except that I gave a short sitting to an artist
named Ellis. He was taking my head on ivory or
some kind of shell. Mr. Gillet,^ the Register of the
Treasury, had some days ago requested that Mrs.
Polk & myself would each give him a short sitting,
^ Ransom H. Gillet of New York, author of The Life and
Times of Silas Wright.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 325
in order that he might take our likenesses for Mrs.
Gillet. I had given him two or three short sittings
before which I had neglected to note in this diary.
Mr. Buchanan called about 2 O'Clock and showed
me a note which he received to-day from Col. Ben-
ton, stating that he had [seen] Col. Atocha, the per-
son of whom Mr. Buchanan had spoken in the
Cabinet on tuesday last. Col. Benton stated in the
note that he had read letters addressed to Col. Ato-
cha by Santa Anna & Almonte, which he regarded
as very important, & which he had been permitted to
retain with liberty to show them to me & to Mr.
Buchanan. Col. B. regarded the disclosure made in
these letters and by Col. Atocha as very important.
Mr. Buchanan said he had invited a Dinner-party to
his house to-day & could not see Col. Benton to-day.
I requested him to write a note to Col. Benton re-
questing him to call on me to-night, and to bring
with him the letters which Atocha had given to him.
About 6 O'clock Col. Benton called & read to me
several letters from Santa Anna & Almonte ad-
dressed to Atocha, and among others one from Santa
Anna dated at San Louis Potosi on the 24th of No-
vember, & one from Almonte dated at the City of
Mexico on the 29th of November last. They both
expressed a desire for an honourable peace and it is
manifest that Atocha possesses their confidence & is
in correspondence with them. From these letters it
is manifest, also, that Atocha's visit to Washington
is at their instance. His object no doubt is to open
the way for negotiatians, and to ascertain the terms
upon which peace would be made. The letters
326 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [14 Jan.
which Col. Benton read to me were in the Spanish
language, but he translated them to me into English.
As an additional proof that Atocha is in the con-
fidence of Santa Anna, he was fully advised of the
visit made to Santa Anna by Alexander Slidell Mc-
Kenzie ^ at Havana last summer. Col. Benton in-
formed me in some detail of Atocha's conversation
with him. Atocha assured him that Santa Anna, Al-
monte, & Rejon were all anxious for peace. Upon
being enquired of by Col. B. what terms of peace
they would make, he answered that they would agree
to the Rio Grande as the boundary, reserving a space
of territory between that River & the Nueces as a
barrier between the two countries, and that they
would be willing to cede California to the U. S. for
a consideration, and he named fifteen or twenty mil-
lions of Dollars as the consideration with which they
would be satisfied. Atocha also stated they would
desire to have commissioners from the two countries
appointed, who should meet at Havana to negotiate
for peace, and added that they would desire that
the blockade before Vera Cruz should be raised,
pending negotiations. I asked Col. B. if he said
anything about ceding N. Mexico to the U. S. He
said he had asked him that question, but upon that
point he seemed to be uninformed. Col. B. was of
opinion that Atocha was the confidential agent of
Santa Anna and that his representations were true.
Col. B. was in favour of agreeing to appoint Com-
^ For an account of McKenzie's mission to Havana and its
results see Reeves, American Diplomacy under Tyler and Polk,
299-
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 327
missioners to meet at Havana if Mexico would do so,
and thought such an intimation should be given in
some way to the Mexican Government. I told him
I was perfectly willing to [assent to] the proposition,
but doubted whether it would be politic for me to
make another overture, after all that had occurred.
I suggested to him that Atocha might be so in-
formed through him or Mr. Buchanan, and in this
informal way it might be made known to the Mexi-
can Government. He seemed to assent that this
mode would do. He said he was to see Atocha
again on to-morrow. I told him I would consult
Mr. Buchanan, and request him to call on him in
the course of the day on to-morrow. This Col.
Atocha is the same person with whom I had several
confidential interviews during the early part of last
year. He brought no letters, and at that time I was
suspicious & cautious of him. I learned all I could
from him, but communicated nothing to him. My
interviews with him are noticed in this diary. He
complained to Col. Benton that I had been reserved
& had not given him my confidence. I am now sat-
isfied that he is an agent of Santa Anna and he may
be made useful.
I had a further conversation with Col. B. about
Gen'l Taylor's mismanagement of the war; and
about a publication in the New Orleans papers of
the contemplated plans of the campaign. This
could only have gotten to the public through Gen'l
Scott, who was necessarily intrusted with it con-
fidentially before he set out from Washington for the
seat of War. He has from his inordinate vanity or
328 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [15 Jan.
from some other cause given it out, so that it has
gotten before the public. The truth is neither Tay-
lor nor Scott are fit for the command of the army in
the great operations in progress and which are con-
templated. To add to my embarrassment, & it does
greatly do so, Congress does not strengthen the Ex-
ecutive arm. Nearly half the session has passed and
they are engaged in debates about slavery and party
politics, and have passed none of the essential meas-
ures w^hich I have recommended as indispensible to
the vigorous & successful prosecution of the war.
With a large nominal majority in both Houses, I
am practically in a minority. The several cliques
& sections of the Democratic party are manifestly
more engaged in managing for their respective fa-
vourites in the next Presidential election, than they
are in supporting the Government in prosecuting the
w^ar, or in carrying out any of its great measures.
The only corrective is in the hands of the people. I
will do my duty to the country and rejoice that with
my own voluntary free will & consent I am not to
be again a candidate. This determination is irrev-
ocable.
Friday, ISth January, 184J. — When I entered
my office this morning I found visitors waiting in
the anti-room. I directed them to be shown in, and
from that time until my dinner hour I was not alone
for 10 minutes. The Constant pressure and im-
portunity for office is not only disgusting, but is al-
most beyond endurance. I keep my temper, or
rather suppress the indignation which I feel at the
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 329
sordid and selfish views of the horde of people who
continually annoy me about place. Members of
Congress have caught the prevailing desire for office
for themselves, and to-day I had another application
for an office for one of them. It was made by Sena-
tor Cameron of Penn. in behalf of Mr. Leib ^ of the
Ho. Repts. He wished to have me appoint Mr.
Leib a purser in the Navy, information of the death
of a purser having reached the Navy Department
last evening. I told him plainly that I would not
appoint a member of Congress to office, unless it was
for a high military Station in time of War, or for
a Mission abroad, or some such station. In other
words that my general rule was not to appoint mem-
bers of Congress to office. Judging from what has
occurred in similar cases heretofore, I have no doubt
Mr. Leib will be an opponent of my administration
during the balance of my term. At least 20 mem-
bers of the present Congress have been disappointed
in the same way, and in all the cases I have ob-
served that they have afterwards voted against the
measures which I have recommended. They have,
however, taken special care never to assign the true
reasons for their course. They have not openly op-
posed my administration, but whenever they could
do so without exposure to their constituents and the
public, they have done so. If God grants me length
of days and health,^ I will, after the expiration of
my term, give a history of the selfish and corrupt
^ Owen D. Leib, Representative from Pennsylvania 1 845-1 847.
^ Polk lived less than three months after the expiration of his
Presidential term, dying June 15, 1849.
330 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i6 Jan.
considerations which influence the course of public
men, as a legacy to posterity. I shall never be prof-
itted by it, but those who come after me may be. I
learn this evening that Congress has done nothing
with the army Bills which are before them, and
which I have earnestly recommended should be
passed promptly. The Presidential Election of
1848 seems to influence the various cliques of the
Democratic party more than the prosecution of the
War with Mexico, or the public good. The truth
is there seems to be no patriotism, but all is selfish-
ness with many of the members. The Federalists of
course act in a body, and unite with any dissatisfied
or corrupt faction of the Democratic party who op-
pose the measures of my administration. I use the
term corruption not in its personal sense, but politi-
cally the conduct of certain persons is so. The peo-
ple of the country do not understand the unworthy
motives by which not a few (I am sorry to say) Of
the members of Congress are influenced in their
course. After night I attended to some of the busi-
ness on my table. This evening Mr. Ellis, an artist,
who is taking a Cameo likeness of me, called. He
sat at my table while I was engaged in business half
an hour & proceeded with his work. I had not time
to give him a sitting in any other way.
This was reception evening.
Saturday, 16th January, 1847. — My office was
crowded with company, members of Congress and
others, this morning until the hour for the meeting
of the Cabinet. Indeed after that hour, and after
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 331
several members of the Cabinet had come in, I saw
several members of Congress in my Private Secre-
tary's ofRce.
All the members of the Cabinet were present to-
day. Mr. Buchanan stated that on last night he
held a long conversation with Col. Benton, on the
subject of the visit of Col. Atocha to this City, and
the communications made by that person to himself
and Col. Benton in relation to the wishes of the
Mexican Government for peace. Mr. Buchanan
stated, also, that he had held another conversation
with Col. Atocha this morning, and expressed the
clear opinion that this person was in the confidence
of Gen'l Santa Anna and Almonte and other prin-
cipal men now conducting the Government of Mex-
ico, and had no doubt he had been sent to Washing-
ton by them to prepare the way for peace. The let-
ters which he exhibited from these persons, as well
as the information he communicated, he thought was
conclusive evidence of that fact. He said that Ato-
cha had stated the terms upon which, he had no
doubt, the Mexican Government would make peace.
They were the same which he had communicated to
Col. Benton, & which are stated in this diary of the
14th Inst. I told Mr. Buchanan that we could
not agree to the proposed reservation of a neutral
territory between the Nueces and the Rio Grande,
and that we must obtain a cession of New Mexico
as well as the Californias for a consideration. Mr.
Buchanan said he had so informed [Atocha]. He
said Atocha earnestly insisted upon the appointment
of commissioners by the two Governments to meet
332 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i6 Jan.
at Havana to negotiate for peace, and that if the
U. S. would agree to this, & make such a proposi-
tion, he would proceed forthwith with it to Mexico,
and had no doubt it would be accepted. He said
Atocha represented that this would be flattering to
the Mexican pride, and would enable them to recon-
cile the public opinion of Mexico to the opening of
negotiations for peace. Atocha also, as Mr. Bu-
chanan said, suggested that if Mexico accepted the
overture and appointed Commissioners to treat for
peace, the blockade of Vera Cruz by the U. S. Naval
forces should be raised. To this I objected because
Mexico might not be sincere in the matter, and might
desire to have our naval forces withdrawn from Vera
Cruz for a time so as to enable her to import arms
& munitions of War into Vera Cruz, and after that
was accomplished might refuse to treat or to agree
to such terms as we could accept, and that if this
should turn out to be so we would be overreached,
and Mexico would thereby obtain an important ad-
vantage, and subject the administration to the ridi-
cule of the whole world for its credulity and weak-
ness. I was unwilling therefore to raise the blockade
or to relax our warlike movements, either by land or
sea, until a Treaty was actually concluded and
signed. After that was done, I would be willing to
suspend military operations for a reasonable time,
until it was ascertained whether the Treaty would
be ratified by the two Governments. The opinion
of the Cabinet was then taken and they were unani-
mously of opinion that a letter should be addressed
by the Secretary of State to the minister of Foreign
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 333
affairs of Mexico, proposing the appointment of
Commissioners on the part of both nations to meet
at Havana to negotiate for peace. All except The
Post Master Gen'l agreed that Col. Atocha should
be the bearer of a sealed letter to this effect, not as
a bearer of despatches or an employee of the Gov-
ernment of the U. S. but as an individual to whom a
sealed letter was entrusted to be delivered. Mr.
Buchanan took from his pocket the rough draft of
such a communication, which he said he had pre-
pared after his interviews with Col. Benton & Ato-
cha, which he read. Some slight modification was
suggested. Mr. Buchanan retired to my Private
Secretary's office and prepared a revised draft of the
letter. The P. M. Gen'l being unwell retired. The
balance of the Cabinet remained near an hour, when
Mr. Buchanan returned to my office & read the re-
vised draft of the letter,^ which was approved by all
present. When the Cabinet retired Mr. Buchanan,
at my request, left the letter with me. He said he
would call to-night about lo O'Clock for it, observ-
ing that he had an engagement to dine out to-day.
I told Mr. Buchanan that as Col. Benton had been
consulted on the subject, I would show the letter to
him, to which he made no objection, but remarked
that he thought it would be proper to do so. I wrote
a note to Col. Benton requesting him to call on me
this evening. He did so about 6 O'Clock P. M. I
showed him the letter, and he approved the policy
of writing a letter of the kind, and approved the
draft which Mr. Buchanan had prepared. I had a
^ Moore, Buchanan, VII, 198.
334 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i6 Jan.
full conversation with him, repeating substantially
the opinions which I had expressed in the Cabinet
to-day; in all of which he concurred. I had much
conversation with him, also, about the dilatory pro-
ceedings of Congress on the measures which I had
recommended for the vigorous prosecution of the
war. The Session was now nearly half over, the
winter season, which is the only part of the year
favourable for the prosecution of Military operations
in Mexico, was passing away, and Congress had not
yet given me any one of the measures which I had
recommended in my annual message and my special
message of the 4th Instant. On the contrary, they
had rejected a Bill in the Senate ^ to authorize the
appointment of a General in chief of the army, and I
feared were not likely to pass any of the other meas-
ures which I had recommended. He agreed with
me that the Democratic party in Congress were in
a most distracted and feeble condition. Instead of
acting upon the great measures of the country, they
are spending day after day and week after week in
a worse than useless discussion about slavery. This
fire-brand was first introduced by Mr. Preston King
of New York, and a fierce & violent discussion has
followed. It is a mischievous & wicked agitation,
which can result in no good, and must lead to infinite
mischief. The pretext for it is to declare in advance
that slavery shall never exist in any territory which
we may acquire from Mexico. In the Cabinet to-
day this subject was one of conversation. All depre-
^ The bill was laid on the table, January 15, by a vote of 29
to 28. S. Journal, 29 Cong. 2 Sess. 104.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 335
cated the discussion now going on in Congress, but
all feared it would be impossible now to arrest it.
The Cabinet were unanimous, also, in opinion that
if by treaty or otherwise the U. S. should acquire
any territory from Mexico, the line of the Missouri
Compromise, viz., 36° 30', should extend West to
the Pacific and apply to such territory. This ques-
tion was not inconsiderately decided by the Cabinet,
but was fully discussed and deliberately considered,
and I took the opinion of each member of the Cabi-
net seperately.
Several members of Congress called after night,
and among others Senator Sevier, Ch. of the com-
mittee of Foreign afifairs of the Senate; & Mr. C. J.
Ingersoll of the House, Ch. of the committee of For-
eign afifairs of that body; with each of whom I held
a conversation on public affairs, & particularly the
measures now pending before Congress.
Sunday, lyth January, 184'J. — I attended Di-
vine services at the Capitol to-day in company with
Mrs. Polk and her niece. Miss Rucker. Service was
performed in the Hall of the Ho. Repts. by the Rev'd
Mr. Slicer, chaplain of the Senate. He preached
an excellent sermon.
Monday, l8th January, 184J. — This morning on
going to my office immediately after breakfast, I
found Senator Benton & the Secretary of State wait-
ing for me. Mr. Buchanan was in the office, and
Mr. Benton walking in the passage without. I met
the latter on my way to the office and invited him in.
336 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i8 Jan.
Col. Benton read an article from a Mexican paper
which strongly confirmed the account which Col.
Atocha had given of the disposition of Santa Anna
for peace. They then informed me, sometimes one
of them talking and then the other, that they had
spent last evening until a late hour in conversation
with Col. Atocha, in which Atocha disclosed more
fully than he had done the object of his visit to
Washington. They were both fully and entirely
satisfied that he was the confidential agent of Santa
Anna, sent to Washington to open the door for nego-
tiation and the conclusion of a peace. Mr. Bu-
chanan had read to him the despatch to the Sec. of
For. affairs of Mexico, considered in Cabinet on
Saturday last. To that passage of the despatch
which declared that the War would continue to be
prosecuted until the commissioners proposed to be
appointed should conclude a peace, Atocha objected
on the ground that he feared it would wound the
mexican pride. He had insisted that instead of this
passage one should be inserted to the effect that the
commissioners on the part of the U. S. should be
invested with authority in their discretion, after
meeting the Mexican commissioners, either to raise
the blockade of Vera Cruz or to suspend hostilities.
To this I at once said I saw no objection. Mr. Bu-
chanan & Mr. Benton both thought it proper, and I
directed that the passage should be modified accord-
ingly. Then they asked me if Atocha could be con-
veyed from New Orleans or Pensacola in a Steamer
(a Government vessel). I told them that the Sec-
retary of the Navy had said on Saturday that he had
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 337
no such vessel at either place; but that I would send
for him & also for the Secretary of the Treasury,
and ascertain whether either a Steamer (a vessel of
War) or a Revenue cutter could be used to convey
Atocha speedily to Mexico. Atocha had informed
them that if he could have the use of such a vessel
he could go to Mexico and return to Washington
City before the adjournment of the present Session
of Congress. They said that Atocha was very anx-
ious upon the subject, and was ready to leave upon an
hour's notice, and repeated that they were thor-
oughly satisfied that he was the confidential agent
of Santa Anna, and that he was fully possessed of his
views, and also of those of Almonte and Rejan and
other leading men now in authority in Mexico.
After Mr. Buchanan & Mr. Benton left, my mes-
senger informed me that a great number of persons
were in waiting to see me, in the anti-room and in
the passage without. I directed him to show them
all in at once. He opened my door & my office was
at once crowded, as though it had been levee night
or an evening when my drawing room was open for
the reception of visitors. Members of Congress and
many others were of the number, and with scarcely
an exception they were seeking office for themselves
or their friends. Most of the members of Congress
came with their friends, who were animated by the
patriotic desire to serve their country provided they
could get an office with a good salary.
The company having left at 12 O'Clock, I sent
for the Secretary of the Navy. He called, & in an-
swer to the enquiry whether there was any Govern-
338 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i8 Jan.
ment vessel at New Orleans or Pensacola which
could convey Atocha to Vera Cruz, he said there
was not. I then sent for the Secretary of the Treas-
ury to know whether he could furnish a Revenue
Steam cutter to convey Atocha from New Orleans
or Pensacola to Vera Cruz. He said there was such
a vessel (The Bibb) at New Orleans which could
be employed in that service, and could remain at
Vera Cruz to bring him back. I requested him to
call on Mr. Buchanan and inform him of the fact,
and he said he would do so. Mr. Buchanan, to
whom I had written a note requesting it, called
shortly afterwards. He read to me his despatch, as
modified, to the Secretary of Foreign affairs of Mex-
ico, and said he had seen the Secretary of the Treas-
ury, and that they would meet Atocha at Col.
Benton's House to-night and arrange the whole
matter.
Mr. Buchanan had mentioned casually in Cabinet
on Saturday, when the subject was under considera-
tion, that he would like to go himself as one of the
Commissioners to negotiate a peace with Mexico.
I alluded to it to-day & he repeated the same desire.
I told him it struck me favourably, but that if he went
he must do so in his character of Secretary of State,
& go alone & without being associated with others.
I told him that would be due to his position, & that
the administration, if he went alone, would be en-
titled to the whole credit of the arrangement. It
seemed to strike him favourably. Indeed I had no
doubt he was highly delighted with the idea. I said
to him that I would consider further on the subject,
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 339
if I learned that Mexico agreed to open negotia-
tions.
After night several members of Congress called,
and among them Senator Bright of Indiana, who is
an honest man & one of the soundest and most con-
sistent & reliable democrats in the Senate. I had a
conversation with him about the measures relating
to the war & now pending before Congress.
Tuesday, igth January, 1847. — My office was
crowded as usual this morning with visitors, almost
all of whom were seeking office for themselves and
their friends. I most heartily wish that I could di-
vest myself of all the patronage attached to my office.
If I could I would be rid of great consumption
of my time and infinite vexation. Between 1 1 and
12 O'clock the Cabinet assembled, all the members
present. I enquired of Mr. Buchanan if he had
seen Col. Atocha last evening. He replied in the
affirmative & said he had delivered to him the
despatch to the Minister of Foreign affairs of Mex-
ico, which he had prepared. He said that Mr.
Walker (sec. of the Treasury) and himself had met
him at Col. Benton's and held another conversation
with him. Mr. Walker said he had given him a
letter to the Commander of the Revenue Cutter
" Bibb " at New Orleans, & had directed the captain
to proceed with him to Vera Cruz and to remain
there until his return from the City of Mexico, and
to bring him back to the U. S., landing him either
at New Orleans or Pensacola. I am the more so-
licitous to open negotiations & conclude a peace with
340 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [19 Jan.
Mexico because of the extraordinary delay of Con-
gress to act upon the War measures which 1 have
recommended to them. It has been now more than
six weeks since Congress met, & they have passed
but two laws, the one to admit the State of Iowa
into the Union,^ and the other to allow a bounty^
to the enlisted soldiers of the regular army. All the
measures recommended in relation to the War are
dragging slowly along, and their fate is doubtful.
Faction has made its way into the Democratic party
in Congress, which paralises all my efforts to prosC'
cute the War vigorously. A small faction of the
Democratic party in one House or the other opposes
one measure, and another faction another measure,
while the Federalists, true to their instincts in op-
position to the War, never fail to unite as one man
for party purposes with the minority of the Demo-
cratic party, and thus defeat or put in danger of de-
feat, one after another, all of my measures. The
State of things in Congress is lamentable. Instead
of coming up to the mark as patriots & sustaining
the administration and the country in conducting a
foreign War, they are engaged in discussing
the abstract question of slavery, & gravely con-
sidering whether it shall exist in a territory which
we have not yet acquired & may never acquire from
Mexico. The Presidential election of 1848 has evi-
dently much to do with this factious state of things.
The aspirants to the Presidency & their friends in
Congress make all the great measures which are now
^ Act of December 28, 1846. U. S. Stat, at Large, IX, 117.
^Act of January 12, 1846. U. S. Stat, at Large, IX, 117.
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 341
before them yield to their selfish and ambitious
views. The Federalists stand bye & avail them-
selves of all the party advantages which the divisions
in the Democratic party afiford them. In view of
this State of things I remarked to the Cabinet that
unless a corrective was speedily applied, that my
administration and with it the Democratic party
must be overwhelmed. I suggested, & indeed urged,
that each member of the Cabinet should see the
members of Congress from his own section of the
Union, and impress upon them the great importance
of harmony and of immediate action upon the war
measures now before them, and especially upon the
loan-bill in the Ho. Repts. & the army Bill in the
Senate. They were all impressed with the impor-
tance of these suggestions, and promised me that
they would attend to them without delay. I in-
formed the Cabinet that if Congress delay[ed] much
longer to act on these and other War measures, I
would send a Message to Congress, and make an
earnest and solemn appeal through them to the coun-
try, to come to the support of the Executive in a
vigorous prosecution of the War against Mexico.
This I told them I would do, & that I did not fear
the result of the public opinion of the country.
About an hour after the Cabinet retired Mr. Bu-
chanan returned & informed me that Atocha wag
still in the City, but would leave for Mexico via
New Orleans to-night, and that he had written a
short letter to Mr. Black, late U. S. consul at Mex-
ico, and also one to Mr. Beach ^ of the New York
^ Moses Y. Beach, 1 800-1 868, editor of the New York Sun.
342 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [19 Jan.
Sun, now a confidential agent of the U. S. in Mex-
ico, which Atocha would bear to them. He read
the letters to me.
This was the regular evening for receiving com-
pany, but as to-morrow evening public notice had
been given that there would be a drawing room at
the President's mansion, not more than half a dozen
gentlemen attended. I met them in the parlour.
Among them was the Vice President & Mr. Rich-
ard Rush of Philadelphia. Mr. Rush remained for
near an hour after the other gentlemen retired. He
is an exceedingly intelligent gentleman, and I had a
very interesting conversation with him about public
affairs. He agreed with me entirely that the dila-
tory proceedings of Congress were without apology
or excuse, and that the spirit of the country in re-
gard to the war was far in advance of that of their
Representatives.
Mr. Rush gave me some interesting details which
occurred when he was connected with Mr. Mad-
ison's administration & when he was a member of
Mr. Adam's Cabinet.^ He said that he was abroad
when Mr. Adams was elected President, that he was
unexpectedly invited to accept a place in his cabinet
& did so, & remarked that in the election he had been
in favour of Mr. Crawford^ as the nominee in
^ Rush was Attorney General under Madison 1814-1817, and
Secretary of the Treasury under Adams 1 825-1 829.
^William Harris Crawford, 1 772-1 834, a prominent candidate
for the Presidency in the campaign of 1824. He received the
nomination at the hands of the Congressional caucus, but upon
the election being thrown into the House of Representatives Adams
was chosen President by means of the assistance of Henry Clay.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 343
Caucus of the Republican party. He gave me a very
interesting account of the appointment of a General-
in chief of the army upon the death of Maj'r Gen'l
Brown/ He said that Gen'l[s] Gaines & Scott had
both written very exeptionable & violent letters to
the President, each claiming the office, the one by
virtue of his lineal & the other of his Brevet rank.
He said that Mr. Clay^ was warmly in favour of
Gen'l Scott; that Messrs. Barbour, Southard, & Wirt
also expressed a preference for Gen'l Scott. He
said that for himself he had been silent during the
discussions, which had occasionally taken place dur-
ing a period of more than six weeks, but that finally
his opinion was asked in Cabinet by the President
& he gave it in favour of Gen'l Macomb, upon the
ground that he thought neither Gaines nor Scott
ought to be appointed after the very exceptionable
letters which they had written. The President (Mr.
Adams) who had never before expressed an opinion,
Mr. Rush said, upon hearing his opinion in favour
of Gen'l Macomb straightened himself up in his
seat, and in his peculiar manner said " and I think
so too." Mr. Rush said this was unexpected and
produced great astonishment in the Cabinet, and
came very near breaking up the Cabinet. He said
as the members of the Cabinet retired, on the walk
^ Jacob Brown of New York, 1775-1828, distinguished for his
services in the War of 1812, commander-in-chief of the army 182 1-
1828.
' Henry Clay was Secretary of State in the Adams Cabinet,
James Barbour of Virginia Secretary of War, Samuel Southard of
New Jersey Secretary of the Navy, William Wirt Attorney Gen-
eral, and Richard Rush Secretary of the Treasury.
344 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 Jan.
from the President's mansion Mr. Clay was vehe-
ment on the subject, and expressed warmly the opin-
ion that they could not get along under such treat-
ment from the President. He said he interposed to
allay the excitement & advised moderation. The
President appointed Gen'l Macomb and the matter
Jiere ended.
Wednesday, 20th January, l84y. — I had a large
number of visitors to-day as usual. Many members
of Congress were of the number who called, to sev-
eral of whom I expressed myself freely and without
reserve in condemnation of the delay of Congress in
acting upon the war measures which I had recom-
mended, and urged them to act without delay.
Between 12 & i O'Clock I closed my office & gave
orders that no names or cards of persons who might
call were to be brought to me. In this way I was
enabled to dispose of many matters of business which
were on my table.
Public notice having been previously given, my
drawing room was open. All the parlours were
brilliantly lighted up. The Marine Band were
stationed in the large Hall. About 8 O'Clock
P. M. the company began to assemble. All the par-
lours including the East Room were filled with
ladies & gentlemen. The Foreign Corps, members
of the Cabinet, of the Supreme Court of the U. S.,
members of Congress, citizens, & strangers were pres-
ent. Though the snow was falling & it was a cold
night it was a numerous and brilliant assembly. The
Company retired between 11 & 12 O'Clock.
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 345
Thursday, 21st January, 184J. — Saw company
as usual this morning, and was not able to get
my office clear of visitors untill near 2 O'Clock P. M.
It was the old story over again ; office, office, office,
was the business of most of them. I urged several
members of Congress who called to act promptly
upon the loan-bill and other War measures which I
had recommended. At night I learned that the
loan-bill had passed the Ho. Repts. I have no doubt
but that my personal appeal to members of Congress,
and the like appeals made by my Cabinet, as I had
requested them to make them on tuesday, produced
this result. Among other visitors to-day, the Hon.
Powhattan Ellis ^ of Mississippi called. He oc-
cupied me for more than an hour. He desired to
be appointed minister to Brazil in place of Mr. Wise.
Mr. Ellis is an exceedingly worthy gentleman, & it
gave me sincere regret as well as pain to be com-
pelled to refuse his request. I dislike nothing so
much as personal applications for office, especially
from old acquaintances and friends whom I cannot
gratify.
After 12 O'clock to-day when I had business with
my Private Secretary, I learned with surprise that
without giving me any notice he had gone to An-
napolis on a party of pleasure. I was vexed at the
occurrence, and think it so thoughtless & inexcusa-
ble on his part that I must require an explanation
when he returns. In truth he is too fond of spend-
ing his time in fashionable & light society, and does
^Senator from Mississippi 1825-1826, and 1827-1832, minister
to Mexico 1 839-1 842.
346 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [22 Jan.
not give that close & systematic attention to business
which is necessary to give himself reputation and
high standing in the estimation of the more solid &
better part of the community. This I have observed
for some months with great regret.
Friday, 22nd January, 184J. — I passed through
the usual scene of receiving visitors this morning.
Several members of Congress called, all of whom I
urged to pass promptly the measures relating to the
War now before Congress. To several Senators
who called I made an earnest appeal to pass the Bill
through the Senate providing for raising 10 Regi-
ments of the Regular army to serve during [the]
War. This Bill has passed the Ho. Repts. & has
been unaccountably delayed in the Senate. Senator
Houston has moved to convert it into a Volunteer
Corps, which would be doing nothing as I have al-
ready the power, under the act of May last, to call
for volunteers. An additional regular force was
deemed indispensible for the successful prosecution
of the War, & therefore I recommended the measure
to Congress in my opening Message at the com-
mencement of the present Session, & finding that no
action had been taken, I again recommended it in a
Message on the 4th Inst. After a great struggle it
passed the House. A motion was made in that body
to convert it into a Bill to raise volunteers, which
was defeated by only one vote. A faction of the
Democratic party, being a small minority of the
whole number, voted for this motion, and every Fed-
eralist in the body united with them as a party
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 347
measure, intending thereby to embarrass the admin-
istration. The same thing is likely to occur in the
Senate. Senator Houston and a small faction of
Democratic Senators will vote for it, and I fear that
the whole Federal party will vote with them & de-
feat a measure which I deem essential to the vigor-
ous and successful prosecution of the War. The
Federalists are always united and vote with the
minority of the Democratic party upon every admin-
istration measure. This is a part of their party tac-
tics. Several party measures have already been lost
in this way, and among them I may note the Bill in
the Senate for the appointment of a Lieut. Gen'l to
command the army. Mr. Calhoun & two or three
Democratic Senators, aided by the United Federal
vote, defeated that measure. The War tax on tea &
coffee was defeated in the Ho. of Repts. in the same
way. The whole Federal party united with Mr.
Wentworth ^ & others and voted it down. I have a
nominal majority of Democrats in both Houses of
Congress, but am in truth in a minority in each
House. The disappointments about office among
the members, and the premature contest which they
are waging in favour of their favorites for the Pres-
idency in 1848, are the leading causes of this lament-
able state of things. The truth is the different fac-
tions of the Democratic party in Congress are en-
gaged in scheming & intriguing for their respective
favourites for the Presidency in 1848, & even the
^ John Wentworth of Illinois, 1815-1888, Representative from
Illinois 1843-1851, 1853-1855, and 1865-1867; Mayor of Chi-
cago in 1857 so'l again in i860.
348 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [22 Jan.
pendency of a foreign War does not seem to prevent
this. The Federalists manifestly enjoy the divisions
in the Democratic ranks, and make it a rule of party
action always to unite w^ith the minority of the Dem-
ocratic party, because in that way they hope and ex-
pect to make party capital for themselves. I am
perfectly disgusted with the want of patriotism which
seems to control the votes and course of a portion of
the Democratic members. I am resolved to do my
duty to the country & if I am not sustained by Con-
gress I will fearlessly appeal to the people.
Even the question of slavery is thrown into Con-
gress and agitated in the midst of a Foreign War
for political purposes. It is brought forward at the
North by a few ultra Northern members to advance
the prospects of their favourite. No sooner is it in-
troduced than a few ultra Southern members are
manifestly well satisfied that it has been brought for-
ward, because by seizing upon it they hope to array
a Southern party in favour of their favourite candi-
date for the Presidency. There is no patriotism on
either side, & it is a most wicked agitation that can
end in no good and must produce infinite mischief.
I omitted to note in yesterday's Diary that Senator
Hannegan of Indiana called on me. He was in
company with Senator Atchison of Missouri. It is
the first time he has called since the settlement of the
Oregon question last summer, about which he suf-
fered himself to become unnecessarily excited. He
had certainly no cause of complaint against me, for
my course was a consistent one. I received him in
a courteous manner.
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 349
Saturday, 2Jrd January, 184']. — Saw company
this morning until the hour of the meeting of the
Cabinet. Among others who called was Senator
Crittendon of Ky. Mr. Buchanan had previously
informed me that he desired to see me, and that he
would call this morning. He desired to converse
with me on the subject of the Mexican War, & the
means of prosecuting and bringing it to a close. I
told him I was happy to have a conversation with
him on that subject, and that I would give him my
views unreservedly. Mr. Crittendon though dif-
fering with me in politics is an honorable gentleman,
and in the confidence that ought to exist between a
Senator & the President I was unreserved in my con-
versation. It was in substance what I had said [to]
other Senators & a few others. I informed him that
I was sincerely desirous for peace, but that I be-
lieved the most effective mode of obtaining it was
by a bold and vigorous prosecution of the War; that
while this was done I thought it important that Con-
gress should make the appropriation of the two mil-
lions of dollars for which I had asked at the last and
at the present Session [of] Congress, so that while I
presented a formidable army invading Mexico on
the one hand, I might have the means of inducing
her to negotiate for peace on the other. The two
millions I would calculate to pay as a part consid-
eration for any cession of territory which by a defin-
itive Treaty of peace she might make to the U. S.
I told him that I did not prosecute the War for con-
quest, that I hoped by a Treaty of peace to obtain a
cession of the Californias & New Mexico, and to pay
350 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [23 Jan.
for them a reasonable equivalent. That equivalent
would probably be the assumption of the Debt due
by Mexico to our own citizens, to bear the expenses of
the War, and to pay to Mexico some Millions of
Dollars besides. He expressed his concurrence in
these general views & his gratification at hearing
them. I told him I deprecated the agitation of the
slavery question in Congress, and though a South-
western man & from a slave-holding State as well
as himself, I did not desire to acquire a more South-
ern Territory than that which I had indicated, be-
cause I did not desire by doing so to give occasion
for the agitation of a question which might sever
and endanger the Union itself. I told him the ques-
tion of slavery would probably never be a practical
one if we acquired New Mexico & California, be-
cause there would be but a narrow ribbon of terri-
tory South of the Missouri compromise line of 36°
30', and in it slavery would probably never exist.
He expressed himself highly gratified at these views.
He expressed an opinion that he would be satisfied
with the Rio Grande as a boundary, and with a
smaller country including the Bay of San Francisco
on the Pacific, than that which I had indicated. I
urged him to have speedy action in the Senate upon
the War measures which I had recommended. My
interview with Mr. Crittendon was a gratifying one.
He seemed to be well satisfied with it, but how far
party-ties may induce [him] to act in opposition to
my views, in which he concurred in our conversation,
remains to be seen.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 35'
The Cabinet met at the usual hour, all the mem-
bers present except the Secretary of War. The Sec-
retary of War called this morning & informed me
that he would be absent from the Cabinet to-day,
in order to meet the Committees on Military aflfairs
of the two Houses of Congress, who were to be at
the War Department at lo O'Clock. This joint
meeting of the two committees was to take place in
pursuance of the request of the committee of the
Senate, made known in a note addressed by its chair-
man to the Secretary of War two or three days ago.
The objects were to examine confidentially the cor-
respondence between the War Department and
Gen'l Taylor & Gen'l Scott, and also into other
matters connected with the War, which it might be
prejuducial to the public interest to make public at
this time. The business of chief interest before the
Cabinet to-day were our relations with Brazil, which
from those of amity had been recently disturbed by
an unfortunate occurrence at Rio Janeiro. A riot
had taken place among some American Sailors on
shore, and in the progress of the afifair Lieut. Davis
and three of the seamen were imprisoned. The
whole correspondence on the subject was read by
Mr. Buchanan. After this Mr. Buchanan stated
that Mr. Lisboa, the Brazillian Minister, had called
at the Department of State & held a long conversa-
tion with him on the subject, and that he (Mr.
Lisboa) was very anxious to adjust the difficulty in a
manner honorable to both nations, and with that
view had promised to address a note to Mr. Bu-
352 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [23 Jan.
chanan on the subject. Any decision on the matter
was postponed until Mr. Lisboa's note should be re-
ceived.
After night several members of Congress called.
About 10 O'clock at night Senators Benton & Allen
called together. They had been dining out. Mr.
Benton proceeded immediately to converse in a very
animated strain of the developments [revelations]
to the two military committees of Congress, which
had been made by the exhibition to them by the Sec-
retary of War to-day of the correspondence of the
Department with Gen'l Taylor and Gen'l Scott, in-
cluding the letters of these officers to the Depart-
ment. He was very strong in his condemnation of
both Taylor & Scott, and both he and Mr. Allen
concurred in opinion that neither of these officers
were fit for the command of the army & that they
ought to be superseded. They were both strong &
vehement on the subject. Col. Benton among other
things said, I was willing to take the command of
the army as Lieut. General, but the Senate had re-
jected the proposition to appoint such an officer;
but now, Sir! seeing what I have to-day I will go as
a Maj'r Gen'l or a Lieut. Col., or in any other rank,
provided I can have the command of the army, & if
I can have such command I will close the War be-
fore July. They held a conversation with me on
the subject of more than an hour. Col, Benton said
that every member of the two committees were as-
tonished at the conduct of both Taylor & Scott. At
about 11^ O'clock they retired.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 353
Sunday, 24th January, 184J. — I attended Divine
Worship to-day at the Capitol accompanied by Mrs.
Polk, her niece. Miss Rucker, and Miss Lane,^ the
niece of Mr. Buchanan, who upon Mrs. P.'s invi-
tation is spending a few days with my family. She
came on yesterday. Service was performed in the
Hall of the Ho. of Repts. by the Rev'd Mr. Sprole,
chaplain of the House. He preached an excellent
sermon.
Monday, 2Sth January, 184J. — Saw company
as usual until 12 O'Clock this morning. A large
number of persons [called], most [of them], as
usual, seeking office. I had no offices to give and
dispatched them as summarily as possible.
Two or three days ago a letter bearing the signature
of Gen'l Taylor & purporting to have been written
near Monterey in Mexico, said to have been ad-
dressed by him to a friend in New York, was pub-
lished in the New York Express, and copied into the
Herald. I read it in the Jlerald on yesterday. It
is a highly exceptionable letter, assailing as it does
the administration, uttering unfounded complaints,
and giving publicity to the world of the plans of
campaign contemplated by the Government, which
it had been desired by the Government to keep con-
cealed from the enemy until they were consummated.
Several persons have spoken to me of the letter, and
expressed doubts whether it was genuine or not. I
^ Harriet Lane, Buchanan's ward, the daughter of his sister,
Mrs. Lane, who died in 1839. During Buchanan's Presidential
term Harriet Lane presided as mistress of the White House.
354 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [25 Jan.
have myself no doubt it is genuine. Considering
the letter not only injurious to the public interests,
but unjust to the Government and its publication
highly unmilitary, I sent for the Secretary of War to
consult him as to the steps proper to be taken in ref-
erence to it. The Secretary of War called. The
Secretary of the Navy was also in my office. I con-
ferred with them fully on the subject. I told the
Secretary of War that I thought a letter should be
immediately addressed to Gen'l Taylor enquiring
of him whether he was the author of the letter, and
that in the mean-time a proper article vindicating
the Government and exposing Gen'l Taylor for
writing such a letter should be published in the
Union. The further consideration of the subject
was postponed until to-morrow when the Secretary
of War promised to have a suitable article prepared
for publication. After the Secretary of War left, a
card was brought to me by my porter from Gen'l
Gaines with a letter addressed to the Secretary of
War, which I opened and read. It was a letter from
Gen'l Gaines in which he states that the letter of
Genl Scott [Taylor] which had been published in
the newspapers was addressed to him. About dark
the Secretary of War came in, & while I was con-
versing with him about the letter of Gen'l Taylor
& Gen'l Gaines's avowal that it had been addressed
to him, Gen'l Gaines was announced at my office
door & I directed my porter to show him in. He
very soon introduced the subject of Gen'l Taylor's
letter, and repeated in substance what he had written
in his letter to the Secretary of War. I told Gen'l
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 355
Gaines that I regarded the letter as a highly im-
proper one, and its publication as highly prejudicial
to the success of our military operations in Mexico,
inasmuch as by its publication information of the
contemplated movements of our army were given
to the enemy, as well as to our own people. I told
him that so far as it complained of the Government
or reflected upon it it was unjust and without the
slightest foundation, as the public records when pub-
lished would show. The Secretary of War expressed
the same opinion. The Secretary left my office &
Gen'l Gaines continued the conversation. He said
that the Editor to whom he had given the letter had
published more of it than he intended he should &
had accompanied it with comments which he did
not approve. He attempted to excuse Gen'l Taylor
by saying that though the letter was not confidential
it was not written for publication by Gen'l Taylor,
and he was responsible for its publication. He said
that after it was published in New York it produced
some excitement, & he had come immediately to
Washington. I expressed to him in strong terms my
condemnation of the letter & of its publication. He
left me apparently much concerned about it. The
truth is that Gen'l Taylor is in the hands of political
managers, and this letter is another of the many evi-
dences that I have had that he is wholly unfit for
the chief command in Mexico. It was this convic-
tion which forced me in November to send Gen'l
Scott to the field to supersede [him]. I have no
confidence in Scott, & it was but an alternative w^hen
I was compelled to send him. I am held responsi-
356 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [26 Jan.
ble for the conduct of the War, & yet Congress re-
fused to give me a commander in whom I have con-
fidence, & I am compelled to employ the officers
v^'hom the law has provided, however unfit they
may be.
Tuesday, 26th January, 184J. — Saw company
this morning until near 12 O'Clock. Among the
visitors were several members of Congress, to whom
I spoke very freely of the inexcusable delay of Con-
gress in acting upon the War measures which I have
recommended to Congress. I condemned the de-
lay in decided terms as embarrassing to the Govern-
ment & prejudicial to the public service. While I
was speaking on the subject, the Committee on En-
rolled Bills called & presented to me for my approval
two unimportant Bills, when I took the occasion to
repeat my complaint of their delay to them. It is
now near the close of the 2nd Month of the Session
and but two laws, besides the two Bills now presented,
have been passed.
The Cabinet met, all the members present except
the Secretary of the Treasury, who was understood
to be at the Capitol pressing members to pass [push]
the speedy passage of the loan-bill. The published
letter of Gen'l Taylor and Gen'l Gaines's avowal
that it had been addressed to him, & had been pub-
lished by his permission (see yesterday's diary) were
considered. The Cabinet were unanimous in con-
demning Taylor for writing such a letter & Gaines
for publishing it, as being not only unmilitary and
a violation of their duty as officers, but calculated
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 357
seriously to embarrass & injure the pending military
operations in Mexico. It was agreed that a letter
should be written by the Secretary of War to Gen'l
Taylor condemning his conduct. It was agreed also
that as the letter had been published in several pub-
lic journals, it should be republished in the Wash-
ington Union,^ with proper comments. The Secre-
tary of War & the Secretary of the Navy stepped into
my Private Secretary's office and prepared an article
for the paper. The Secretary of State took their
draft and prepared one from it which I thought too
mild but assented to it in this form. The Secretary
of War took it with him when he retired.
This was reception evening. An unusually large
number of visitors attended, ladies & gentlemen.
The Circular parlour was filled.
Wednesday, 2yth January, 1847. — A large num-
ber of visitors called this morning and among them
several ladies. They were generally ladies & all
seeking office for their friends. After 12 O'Clock
I closed my doors and despatched a considerable
mass of small business which had accumulated on
my table. About 2 O'Clock P. M. The Secretary
of the Treasury called & informed me that he had
just returned from the Capitol & that the loan-bill
^Taylor's letter, dated at Monterey, November 9, 1846, was
printed in the Union^ accompanied by a deprecatory notice, Jan-
uary 26, 1847. The strictures of the War Department elicited
a second letter from Taylor, March 3, 1847. It was sent by the
President to the House, in answer to a resolution calling for it,
February 4, 1848, and was printed in the New York Herald the
following day.
358 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY \27 Jan.
had passed both houses. This is the first [of] my
war measures which has been acted on by Congress
during the present Session. The Secretary in-
formed me that it required his presence at the Cap-
itol yesterday & to-day & all his exertions to pre-
vent mischievous amendments proposed by Federal
members from being engrafted upon it.
I had a small Dinner party to-day; among the
company were Mr. & Mrs. McKenzie of St. Louis,
Judge and Mrs. Catron, & Mrs. Benson; Gov. Mor-
ton of Boston, Senator Mason ^ of Va., who took his
seat in the Senate on monday as the Successor of the
lamented Pennybacker, Hon. John McKeon of New
York, & Hon. Mr. McDaniel of Missouri.
After Dinner the Secretary of War called & read
to me the draft of a letter to Gen'l Taylor, which he
had prepared on the subject of Gen'l Taylor's letter
published in the newspapers, and which is noticed
in this diary of yesterday and the day before. He
said he had submitted it to Mr. Buchanan & Mr.
Mason, and that Mr. B. thought one part of it too
strongly expressed. He read to me two forms of
that part of it, the one milder than the other. I de-
cided at once in favour of the stronger form. The
offense was highly unmilitary, and if dealt with
strictly would subject both Gen'l Taylor for writing
the letter & Gen'l Scott [Gaines] for publishing it
to arrest & trial. My opinion, therefore, was that it
^ James Murray Mason, 1 798-1 871, Senator from Virginia
1847-1861. A strict constructionist, he followed his State in its
secession from the Union and was one of the Confederate com-
missioners to England taken by Captain Wilkes in the Trent affair.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 359
merited and ought to receive a decided rebuke from
the Government. This I thought was the mildest
course we could take. The Secretary agreed with
me in opinion. The Secretary informed me that
some of the Federal members, as he learned, had in-
dulged in a violent party debate in the Senate to-
day. He informed me, also, that he had received a
note from Col. Benton informing him that a call
would be made by the Senate for the correspondence
between the War Department & Gen'l[s] Taylor
and Scott, and requesting him to have the copies pre-
pared & in a state of readiness, so as to answer the
call promptly. The publication of Gen'l Taylor's
[letter] will force the publication of the official cor-
respondence, so as to expose his unfounded attack
on the administration. Taylor is a vindictive & ig-
norant political partisan, and after all the kindness
and indulgence I have shown him has suffered him-
self to be controlled & managed by bad men for po-
litical purposes. I shall regret the necessity for the
publication of the Official Documents, but a state of
things has been produced by Gen'l Taylor which
renders it necessary for the vindication of the truth
& the good of the service. If therefore the call is
made by the Senate I will answer it.
Thursday, 28th January, 184^. — This morning
my office was crowded with visitors as usual, and
upon the usual business, viz., seeking office. I had
directed my porter to close the doors at 12 O'Clock,
but so many persons had gotten into the anti-room
before that hour that my time was occupied until
36o JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [29 Jan.
near 2 O'Clock P. M., before I got clear of them.
The Secretary of State & the Secretary of the Navy
called. The Secretary of State read to me the trans-
lation of a note of the Brazilian Minister, designed
as a reperation of the wrong complained of by the
U. S. in consequence of the imprisonment of Lieut.
Davis & some American Sailors at Rio Janeiro.
With a modification of the note which the Secretary
of State suggested and which he supposed Mr.
Lisboa would make, it would be satisfactory. The
note has not been formally delivered to the Secretary
of State, but had been informally submitted to him
to know if delivered whether it would be satisfactory.
I transacted some other business both with the Sec-
retary of State and the Secretary of the Navy.
After they retired I disposed of several matters of
business on my table. I learned to-night that the
Senate without disposing of the army bill, adjourned
until to-morrow. The delay in Congress in acting
upon the War Measures recommended is most em-
barrassing & is inexcusable.
It is two years ago this day since I left my residence
at Columbia, Tennessee, to enter on my duties as
President of the U. S. Since that time I have per-
formed great labour and incurred vast responsibili-
ties. In truth, though I occupy a very high position,
I am the hardest working man in this country.
Friday, 2gth January, 184J. — This was an in-
clement morning; the rain was falling & freezing as
it fell, and yet it did not prevent a number of per-
sons from visiting me, on the patriotic business of
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 361
seeking office. Neither ice nor fire I believe would
stop them. I am perfectly disgusted with the pre-
vailing passion for place which brings crowds of
persons to Washington. Even females, and many of
them in the garb and appearance of ladies, call, in
behalf of their husbands, brothers, and sons. How
much better it would be if the horde of office seek-
ers who infest Washington would apply themselves
to some honest calling for a living. It was not until
near i O'Clock that I was enabled to open a letter
or attend to any other business on my table. Shortly
after that hour the Secretary of War called on
official business, which occupied my time for one or
two hours. The Secretary of State also called & I
spent some time with him. He informed me among
other things that he had held a conference with the
Brazillian Minister to-day on the subject of the im-
prisonment of Lieut. Davis an[d] three sailors at
Rio de Janeiro, the result of which was that Mr. Lis-
boa would address him (the Secretary of State) a
note making an apology for the conduct of the
Brazillian authorities in that aflfair, which would be
satisfactory, Mr. Buchanan read to me a translation
of the proposed note, which had not yet been offi-
cially delivered, but would be as soon as Mr. Lis-
boa could revise and copy it.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, called.
Saturday, 30th January, 1S4J. — This was the
regular day for the meeting of the Cabinet. It was
also the last day upon which letters for Europe by
362 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [30 Jan.
the Steamer which will leave Boston on the ist
proximo could be written. Desiring to write one or
two letters before the Cabinet met, I directed my
porter to admit no visitors this morning. He obeyed
my orders, but several persons, members of Congress
with their friends, made their way to my Private
Secretary's office & I was compelled to see them,
much to my annoyance. They were upon the usual
business, viz., seeking office. The Cabinet met at
the usual hour, all the members present except the
Secretary of the Navy, who was understood to be
detained at his house by indisposition. The subject
of Gen'l Taylor's late letter to Gen'l Gaines, pub-
lished in the newspapers, was one of conversation.
The National Intelligencer of this morning con-
tains an unjust attack upon the administration upon
the subject. Heretofore I have discouraged several
members of Congress, who had consulted me on the
subject, from calling for the correspondence between
the War Department and Gen'l Taylor, because I
thought its publication at this time would be preju-
dicial to the public interest. Gen'l Taylor, how-
ever, has chosen to write a letter to Gen'l Gaines,
which has been published in the newspapers, dis-
closing the plans of campaign to the world, and the
same reason does not now exist for withholding from
the public the official correspondence. The Cabinet
were unanimously of opinion that the official corre-
spondence should now be published, and that if called
for by Congress, it should be communicated to them.
This is the only mode in which the truth can be set
before the public, & the administration fully vindi-
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 363
cated against the unjust (to use no stronger term)
attack of Gen'l Taylor in his letter.
Mr. Buchanan brought before the Cabinet a
Treaty ^ recently signed by the U. S. charge de af-
fairs to New Granada and the Secretary of Foreign
affairs of that Republic. As a commercial Treaty
it was liberal & in all respects satisfactory, but in ad-
dition to its commercial provisions it contained
an article giving the guaranty of the U. S. for the
neutrality of the Isthmus of Panama, and the sover-
eignty of New Granada over that territory. Seri-
ous doubts were entertained whether this stipulation
was consistent with our long-settled policy to "culti-
vate friendship with all nations, entangling alliances
with none." The subject was discussed at some
length, and was finally postponed to enable the Sec-
retary of State to give to it a further examination
and Report upon the subject.
After night several members of Congress called &
among them Senators Cass & Bagby.
Sunday, 31st January, 184J. — Attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day accompanied by my
niece. Miss Rucker; Mrs. Polk was indisposed and
did not attend church.
Monday, Ist February, 184^. — This morning my
office was crowded with visitors. The prospect of
the passage of the Bill before Congress to raise 10
Regular Regiments for the War against Mexico,
brought a large number of members of Congress with
1 U. S.Stat, at Large, IX, 88 1.
364 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i Feb.
their constituents and friends seeking commissions
in the army. I was unable to close my office at the
usual hour without giving offense to those who were
present, and the result was that up to my dinner
hour at 4 O'Clock P. M. I had not a moment of time
to devote to my business on my table. After Din-
ner I took my usual walk around the grounds of the
President's Mansion, and almost immediately after
my return a member of Congress called, and shortly
afterwards several others. At one time after night
my office was filled with members of Congress and
their friends who were seeking military appoint-
ments. It was after 11 O'Clock P. M. when I re-
tired from my office, having spent a day without any
benefit or usefulness to the country. I retired much
exhausted and fatigued.
About 2 O'clock P. M. Mr. Kaufman, one of the
Representatives from the State of Texas, called and
had a long conversation with me about several mat-
ters of business, but chiefly about appointments in
Texas. Among other things he informed me that
Gen'l Houston was dissatisfied with the administra-
tion. I told him that I had received an intimation
of the kind before, but that he had no cause to be
so. The truth is that Senator Houston desires to be
a candidate for the Presidency and probably thinks
that I do not throw my official influence into the
scale to promote his views. He probably thinks,
also, that he should have been looked to instead of
Col. Benton for Lieut. General.
My niece, Sally Polk Walker, now Mrs. Green,
with her husband, Dr. Green of Va., arrived from
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 365
Tennessee to-day & took rooms in the President's
mansion.
Tuesday, 2nd February, 184J. — I saw company
this morning until between 11 and 12 O'Clock, when
my Cabinet met, this being the regular day of meet-
ing, all the members present. Mr. Buchanan read a
note from Mr. Lisboa, the Brazilian Minister, mak-
ing explanations and expressing the regret of his Gov-
ernment at the occurrence which had taken place at
Rio de Janeiro on the 31st of October last, which
had resulted in the imprisonment of Lieut. Davis
and three seamen of the U. S. Navy. Mr. Lisboa
gave assurance in his note that proper measures
should be taken by his Government to prevent the
occurrence of a similar occur[r]ence hereafter. I
told Mr. Buchanan that the explanation & apology
was satisfactory. He replied that he thought it was
all we could demand or expect, and the other mem-
bers of the Cabinet were unanimously of the same
opinion. Mr. Buchanan then read the draft of a note
in reply, which he had prepared, which was approved
by the Cabinet.
The tardy and embarrassing action of Congress on
the war measures was freely discussed and regretted
by all. I inquired of the Secretary of the Treasury
concerning the state of the finances, and the meas-
ures which he proposed to take to negotiate a loan.
The war and the measures necessary for its vigorous
prosecution were also the subject of free conversa-
tion.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons, but not as large a number as usual, called.
366 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 Feb.
Wednesday, Jrd February, 184J. — I directed
my porter this morning to exclude company after
1 1 O'clock, which hour I had appointed for the Sec-
retary of War to meet me at my office. Many per-
sons called. Between 1 1 & 12 O'Clock the Secretary
of War called. He sent for Maj'r Cooper of the
army, who is acting as his chief Clerk. I spent the
day until 3 O'Clock P. M. with them in examining
the correspondence between the War Department &
Gen'l Taylor, which had been called for by a Reso-
lution ^ of the Ho. Repts. Not having finished the
examination they retired at that hour, with the under-
standing that they would return again at 6 O'Clock.
Accordingly at that hour they returned & resumed
the examination of the correspondence, which was
not completed until near 11 O'Clock. I directed
every thing to be copied to be transmitted to the
House, except such parts as might impart to the
enemy the plans of the pending campaign.
Thursday, 4th February, 184J. — This morning
I passed through the usual scene of receiving visit-
ors until after 12 O'Clock. Many of them as usual
were seeking office and especially military appoint-
ments. The military Bill which proposes to raise 10
additional Regular Regiments, still hangs in Con-
gress. When it will pass, God only knows. Had
it passed six weeks ago, as it ought to have done,
it would have been of great importance. As it is,
^ H. Journal, 29 Cong. 2 Sess. 287. The President's message
in answer to the resolution, with the accompanying documents, is
printed in H. Ex. Doc. 119, 29 Cong. 2 Sess. IV.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 367
the favourable season for military operations in Mex-
ico has already nearly half passed. Mr. Buchanan
called & read to me a despatch to Mr. Wise, U. S.
Minister in Brazil, communicating to him the cor-
respondence between Mr. Lisboa & himself by which
the difficulty which arose at Rio de Janeiro on the
31st of October last, in consequence of the arrest of
Lieut. Davis & three sailors of the U. S. Navy, was
satisfactorily settled. The Secretary of War called
and spent some time with me on official business. I
disposed of some of the business which had been
accumulating on my table for some days past.
After night two members of Congress called.
Mr. Ficklin of the Ho. Repts. presented to me a
walking cane, sent to me by Mr. Wm. Wade of
Illinois, as an evidence of his respect and of his ap-
proval of my administration.
I omitted to mention in yesterday's diary that Mr.
Calderon, the Spanish Minister, called at 12 O'Clock
on yesterday, and delivered to me two letters [from
his sovereign ^ which] announced her own marriage
and that of her sister. Such matters of ceremony
appear very ridiculous to an American citizen but
are deemed to be important by the Monarchical
Courts of Europe.
Friday, ^th February, 184J. — I endured this
morning the usual round of visits from members of
Congress & others, most of the members seeking mili-
I
^Isabella II, Queen of Spain 1833-1868, mother of Alphonso
XII and grandmother of Alphonso XIII of Spain. She married
her cousin, the Infante Francisco, October 10, 1846.
368 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [5 Feb.
tary offices for their friends, and many of the other
visitors seeking such appointments for themselves.
The annoyance of office seekers is very great to me.
Whilst much of my time is daily occupied by their
visits, I am much embarrassed by the want of sup-
port in Congress to the measures which I have rec-
ommended. The Military Bill still hangs in
Congress. It is now in the third month of the Ses-
sion and none of my war measures have yet been
acted upon. There is no harmony in the Demo-
cratic party. They are cut up into factions, each
faction following their favourable [favorite] leader,
and looking more to the Presidential election of 1848
than to principle or the good of the country. In
truth faction rules the hour, while principle & pa-
triotism is forgotten. While the Democratic party
are thus distracted and divided and are playing this
foolish and suicidal game, the Federal party are
united and never fail to unite with the minority of
the Democratic party, or any faction of it who may
break off from the body of their party, and thus post-
pone and defeat all my measures. I am in the un-
enviable position of being held responsible for the
conduct of the Mexican War, when I have no sup-
port either from Congress or from the two officers
(Scott & Taylor) highest in command in the field.
How long this state of things will continue I cannot
forsee. I am seriously deliberating upon the pro-
priety, if not necessity, of sending a message to Con-
gress, earnestly and boldly but respectfully appealing
to Congress, and through them to the country, and
calling for action upon the War measures which I
ig47] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 369
have recommended, and which are indispensible to
maintain the honour & the rights of the county.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, called.
Saturday, 6th February, 184'J. — My office was
open for the reception of visitors until the hour for
the meeting of the Cabinet to-day. A number of
persons, members of Congress & others, called.
The Cabinet met at the usual hour, all the mem-
bers present. I stated fully to them the embarrass-
ments to the Government, and especially in the
prosecution of the War, in consequence of the failure
of Congress to act on the war-measures which I have
recommended. I stated to them that I was seriously
considering of the propriety, and indeed the duty,
of sending to Congress a message boldly and strongly
appealing to Congress and through them to the
country, in favour of speedy action on my war meas-
ures. This I thought necessary to vindicate myself
before the people & to throw the responsibility of
the failure to act upon Congress. All the Cabinet
approved the suggestion but Mr. Buchanan, who
thought I had better postpone taking such a step
until it was ascertained whether the Bill to raise 10
Regiments of regular troops now before the Senate
would pass. If that Bill failed to pass, Mr. Bu-
chanan was then decidedly in favour of my sending
in such a message.
A question arose as to the propriety of sending to
the Ho. Repts. certain portions of the correspond-
ence between the War Department & Gen'l Taylor,
370 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 1 7 Feb.
which had been called for by the House, and es-
pecially of sending in a letter to Gen'l Taylor dated
Oct. 22nd, i847[6]. This letter communicates to
Gen'l Taylor the views of the Government and the
plan of a campaign against Vera Cruz, which is
now in progress under the command of Gen'l Scott
and is not yet executed. All agreed that this let-
ter was important to the full vindication of the
course of the Government, and in connection with
the other correspondence would place Gen'l Taylor
in his true position & [be] much to his prejudice as
an officer, and indeed show that he had perversely
thwarted the views of the Government; but on the
other hand if published it might possibly reach Mex-
ico before the campaign which it planned was exe-
cuted, and might embarrass if not defeat it. It was
finally agreed to suspend any final decision on the
subject for the present. It was thought that de-
spatches might be expected soon from Gen'l Scott,
showing that the campaign had progressed so far
as to render the publication of this part of the cor-
respondence safe and proper.
Sunday, yth February, 184J. — I attended the
first Presbyterian church to-day accompanied by
Mrs. Polk and her niece, Miss Rucker.
Monday, Sih February, 184J. — A large number
of persons called this morning, most of them seek-
ing office, and especially military appointments.
My daily annoyance on the subject of office con-
tinues without abatement. Between 12 and i
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 37i
O'clock my office was closed, and I devoted two
hours or more in preparing the draft of a message
to Congress, such as I had suggested to the Cabinet
on Saturday last.
Near night Senator Cass called, and informed me
that the Senate had rejected the Report of the com-
mittee of conference of the two Houses on the dis-
agreeing votes between them on the Bill to raise lo
additional Regiments. The effect of this vote is the
rejection of the Bill. I learn it was rejected by the
united vote of the Federal party in the Senate, and
by the votes of Mr. Calhoun and his peculiar friends
in the Senate. I now regard Mr. Calhoun to be
in opposition to my administration. He has been
dissatisfied ever since I refused to retain him in my
Cabinet at the commencement of my administration,
and is now, I have reason to believe, as decidedly op-
posed to my administration in his heart as any mem-
ber of the Federal party. He is an aspirant for the
Presidency, and the truth is that the next Presiden-
tial election has divided the Democratic party in
Congress into factions, each adhering to their fa-
vourites, and the effect is to reduce the administra-
tion to a minority in Congress, and to paralyze and
defeat all my measures. In the Senate 3 or 4 Dem-
ocrats who may dissent from the body of the party
can defeat any measure. The Federal party never
fail to unite with such minority and thus constitute
the majority. Mr. Calhoun can carry with him
that many votes, and I now consider him the most
mischievous man in the Senate to my administration.
The people must be made to understand this State
372 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [9 Feb.
of things. With a nominal majority in each House,
I am in truth in a minority in both. Several mem-
bers of Congress called after night, to whom I spoke
freely and in terms of great indignation at the un-
patriotic course of the Senate in refusing to grant
the means absolutely necessary to enable me to pros-
ecute the war with Mexico with energy and vigor.
Among others Senator Butler ^ of S. C, who had
voted to reject the Bill, called, and to him I spoke in
as decided terms & [as] I did to others. I think I
satisfied him of his error, because he expressed the
opinion that the vote rejecting the Bill would be re-
considered by the Senate on to-morrow.
Tuesday, gth February, 1847. — A number of
persons called this morning, members of Congress
and others, to whom I spoke in strong and decided
terms of disapprobation of the course of the Senate
on yesterday in rejecting the Bill to raise 10 addi-
tional Regiments.
The Cabinet met at the usual hour, all the mem-
bers present. The Mexican War, and the refusal of
the Senate to grant the necessary means to prosecute
it, were freely discussed. I read to the Cabinet the
draft of the message which I propose to send to Con-
gress, and which I prepared on yesterday. They
approved it. I told them that since the rejection
of the 10 Regiment Bill by the Senate on yesterday,
I must make it stronger and more pointed in some
of its parts. The Responsibility shall rest upon
* Andrew Pickens Butler, 1 796-1 857, Senator from South Caro-
lina 1 846-1 85 7.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 372,
Congress of failing to furnish the means to enable
me to prosecute the war with Mexico with vigor.
Without the men and money for which I have asked
I cannot do so.
Many other subjects of some importance were con-
sidered. Among others was a Treaty signed by our
charge de affaires (Mr. Bidlack)^ with the Govern-
ment of New Granada. Mr. Buchanan had pre-
pared a message to the Senate, transmitting it for
their advice & ratification, for me to sign. I took
the message to examine it before I sent it in to the
Senate,
In taking my usual walk this evening I met Vice
President Dallas, who informed me that the vote of
the Senate on yesterday rejecting the 10 Regiment
Bill had been reconsidered and referred to another
committee of conference.
I saw a number of members of Congress in my
office to-night. The impression now is that the 10
Regiment Bill will yet pass.
This was reception evening. I was much engaged
in my office and did not go into the parlour. Mrs.
Polk received the company. A number of persons,
I understand, called.
I learn that the vote rejecting the 10 Regiment
Bill in the Senate was reconsidered to-day, and the
subject referred to a second committee of Conference
between the two Houses.
Mrs. Polk's relative. Midshipman Thos. B. Child-
^ Benjamin A. Bidlack of Pennsylvania, charge d'affaires to
Colombia (New Granada) from 1845 until his death at Bogata
in 1849.
374 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo Feb.
ress of Tennessee, arrived to-day, and on my invita-
tion took lodgings in the President's House.
Wednesday, loth February, 184"/. — The usual
round of company called this morning. My time
v^^as employed in receiving them until after 12
O'clock. Many applicants for office & especially
military appointments called, to all of whom I re-
plied that the Senate had rejected the 10 Regiment
Bill, and that I had no authority to make any ap-
pointments. At 12 O'clock I closed my office, or
rather attempted to do so, but found it very difficult
to prevent the intrusion of company (office seekers)
after that hour. I was, however, enabled to devote
some time to-day to the disposition of the business
on my table.
At I O'clock P. M. to-day Mr. Bodisco, the Rus-
sian Minister, called. I received him in the parlour.
His business was to deliver to me with great sol-
emnity a letter from his Emperor, Nicholas, an-
nouncing the death of one of his nieces, the daughter
of one of the Emperor's brothers. These matters of
ceremony are so ridiculous that I could scarcely pre-
serve my gravity. To the very solemn manner in
which the event was announced, and which was evi-
dently affected, I simply remarked that such occur-
rences would take place, and at once entered into
familiar conversation with the Minister.
I was much indisposed with a violent cold this
afternoon, and directed my porter to admit no com-
pany after night. He afterwards informed me that
many persons called.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 375
This evening all the parlours were opened for the
reception of company, notice having been given in
the newspapers to that efTfect. An immense crowd,
filling the East room and all the other parlour[s],
attended. I stood on my feet shaking hands and re-
ceiving company for several hours, and was much
fatigued wh,en the company dispersed. Among the
visitors were the Vice President, Senators & Repre-
sentatives in Congress, strangers and citizens.
The lo Regiment Bill, I learn, passed the two
Houses of Congress to-day.
Thursday, nth February, 1847. — The 10 regi-
ment [bill] having passed Congress on yesterday, an
unusual crowd of members of Congress and others
called this morning. The members of Congress
called to recommend their constituents & friends for
military appointments. Many persons called in per-
son to seek military appointments for themselves. I
had a ready answer for all of them, which was that
the 10 Regiment Bill had not been officially pre-
sented to me for my approval. In this way I shook
them off for the time being. About 2^ O'Clock
P. M. the Bill was presented to me by a committee
of Congress. I examined it in their presence & ap-
proved & signed it, & directed my Private Secre-
tary to announce the fact to the House in which the
Bill originated.
I learn that a motion ^ was made to-day in the
^ The motion to expel Ritchie was made on Februaty 10, rather
than February 11. — Globe, 29 Cong. 2 Sess. 395. For an ac-
count of Ritchie's expulsion see Hudson, History of Journalism in
376 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [12 Feb
Senate by Senator Yulee of Florida to expel the
editor of the Union from the privileged seats in the
Senate, in consequence of the publication in his pa-
per of a communication signed Vindicator censur-
ing the Senate for their rejection of the 10 Regiment
Bill, and that it had given rise to an animating and
exciting debate in the Senate, but was undecided at
the adjournment of the Senate to-day.
The hoarseness in consequence of my cold greatly
afflicted me this afternoon & I received no company
after night.
Friday, 12th February, 184J. — The 10 Regi-
ment Bill having become a law I was perfectly over-
run with company this morning, an unusual number
seeking military appointments having called.
I had to bear the annoyance and fatigue until 12
O'clock, when I closed my doors. I was so much
indisposed and fatigued that I was not able to trans-
act much of the business on my table during the re-
mainder of the day. I saw the Secretary of War &
several other officers on official business.
This morning I sent for Mr. H. C. Williams &
Mr. George Jones, confidential clerks in the Depart-
ments, & set them to copying the message which I
had prepared & the rough draft of which I read to
the Cabinet on tuesday last. The Secretary of the
the United States, Chap. XVI. The obnoxious article was printed
in the Union February g. It was headed " Another Mexican Vic-
tory," the allusion being to the rejection by the Senate of impor-
tant features of the report of the committee of conference on the
Ten Regiment bill.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY ill
Navy & Senator Cass called in the morning & I
submitted it to them. They examined it in the room
adjoining my office, [in] which I was receiving com-
pany and enduring the importunities of office seekers.
They informed me that they approved it. The Sec-
retary of State & the Secretary of War called & ex-
amined it. They also approved it. At my request
Senators Dix, Allen, & Sevier called to-night. Sen-
ator Bagby also called. The message having been
copied, I read it to them & they approved it.
The debate in the Senate to-day on the Resolution
of Senator Yulee to expel Mr. Ritchie from the priv-
ileged seats of the Senate was, I learn, a very ex-
citing one. Senator Turney, I learn, made a bold
charge ^ upon Senator Calhoun & his friends, charg-
ing them with professing to be Democrats, but as
being the balance of Power party in the Senate, who
by voting with the one party or the other controlled
the result, & that they had during this Session gen-
erally voted with the Federalists, & thus defeated all
my war measures. Great excitement, I learn, exists
upon the subject, not only in the Senate, but in the
City. The question was undecided at the adjourn-
ment of the Senate to-day, and the debate is ex-
pected to be revived on to-morrow.
This was reception evening, but I remained in my
office & did not go to the parlour. I learn that a
number of persons, ladies & gentlemen, called.
Saturday, 13th February, 184J. — Saw company
this morning until the hour of the meeting of the
^ Glohe, 29 Cong. 2 Sess. 395.
378 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [13 Feb.
Cabinet (11 O'Clock A. M.). The crowd of office
seekers, and especially for military appointments, was
very great. The Cabinet met at the usual hour, all
the members present. I read the message, which I
had prepared & had [had] copied, to Congress. It
was unanimously approved & I signed it & gave it
to my Private Secretary to deliver to Congress. Mr.
Buchanan left to visit the Capitol on business, but
after an absence of about an hour returned. Most
of the day was spent in considering of the military
appointments proper to be made under the 10 Regi-
ment act.
About 6 O'clock P. M. I learned that the Senate
had expelled Mr. Ritchie from the privileged seats
of that body, in consequence of the publication in
the Union a few days ago of a communication over
the signature of Vindicator. It is a second Duane
case, & strikes a blow at the liberty of the press.
The foul deed was perpetrated by the votes of the
undivided Federal Senators, and Senators Calhoun
& Butler of S. C. & Yulee & Wescott of Florida.
These four gentlemen constitute what Senator Tur-
ney denominated in debate a few days ago the Bal-
ance of Power Party. They have more frequently
voted with the Federalists than the Democrats dur-
ing this Session.
After night an unusual number of members of
Congress called. They were Democrats & were most
excited at the expulsion of Mr. Ritchie from the
Senate to-day. I learn that the public opinion &
sympathies are all enlisted in his behalf, & that this
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 379
act of the Senate is condemned by public opinion, as
far as it has been expressed in the City.
Midshipman Thomas B. Childress of Tennessee,
who has been spending a few days in my family, left
this afternoon for Annapolis, where he will join the
Naval school at that place.
Sunday, 14th February, 184J. — Attended the
I St Presbyterian church to-day in company with
Mrs. Polk, her niece, Miss Rucker, and my nephew,
Marshall T. Polk.
Mr. Cave Johnson, P. M. Gen'l, & Mr. Lynn
Boyd of Ky. took dinner with me to-day.
The Hon. Wm. H. Haywood, jr., of N. C. called
after night. I had not seen him before since near
the close of the last Session of Congress, & shortly
after he had resigned his seat in the Senate of the
U. S. He informed me that he was on his way to
New York. He was in excellent health and spirits.
He made a short visit.
Monday, ISth February, 184'J. — I opened my
office at the usual hour this morning. A larger
crowd of persons filled my office than I have received
on any day since I have been President, with the ex-
ception of a few days immediately after I entered
upon the duties of the office. The reason was that
it was known that I was about to appoint the officers
for the 10 additional Regiments authorized by Con-
gress. Scores of persons called to press their claims
for these appointments. Many Senators and Repre-
38o JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY ti6 Feb.
sentatives called to urge the pretensions of their
friends for these office[s]. Take the day altogether
I am sure I have never been so wearied and annoyed
in my life. Though I attempted to close my door
at the usual hour, persons would press in to see me,
and it was not until a later hour at night than usual
that my office was clear of company. I retired to
rest exceedingly wearied, having been enabled to
transact very little business during the day. I took
time, however, to see the Secretary of War for half
an hour in the course of the day, and prepared all
the nominations to the Senate which my information
enabled me to prepare. I am resolved to make all
these military appointments as fast as possible, for as
long as they are pending I shall have no rest.
I made several military nominations to the Senate
to-day, under the act of the ii Instant to authorize
the raising of lo additional Regiments.
Tuesday, idth February, 1847. — Though this
was Cabinet day, the throng of members of Con-
gress and their friends in whose behalf they had
called seeking military offices was such that I was
compelled to receive them. It was not until 12
O'clock that I was enabled to get clear of them.
All the Cabinet were present. The state of the War,
the embarrassment produced by the failure of Con-
gress to act upon the measures recommended to them
with promptness, were the subjects of conversation.
It is difficult to estimate the public injury which has
been produced by the failure of Congress, at an early
period of this Session, to provide for the men and
I847J JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 381
money which were recommended in my annual mes-
sage. The truth is that the available means in the
Treasury were reduced to between 2 & 3 millions of
Dollars before the loan bill passed authorizing a
loan, and there were therefore no means in the Treas-
ury to defray the additional expenses which must
have been incurred by the calling out of an addi-
tional Volunteer force. Had such force been called,
the bankruptcy of the Treasury would have been in-
evitable, and the exposure of that fact would have
destroyed the public credit and greatly encouraged
the public enemy. This fact could not be avowed
publicly to Congress, because to have done so would
have been to make it known to the public. The re-
sponsibility of failing to prosecute the War with the
energy I have desired must therefore rest on Con-
gress.
This was reception evening. Though much
pressed with business, I felt it to be my duty to be
in the parlour. The Circular parlour was pretty
well filled with visitors, ladies & gentlemen.
Wednesday, I'Jth February, 1847, — My office
was very much crowded this morning with visitors,
most of whom were seeking military appointments.
Many Senators and Representatives were of the num-
ber, who were pressing their friends for appoint-
ments. I directed my doors to be closed at 11
O'clock. The Secretary of War spent two or three
hours with me in arranging the military nomina-
tions, many of which I made to the Senate to-day.
It was to me a very laborious day. After night
382 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i8 Feb.
many members of Congress called. I retired about
lo^ O'clock exceedingly fatigued with the labour
of the day.
Thursday, l8th February, 1847. — I was doomed
this morning to pass through another pressure of
importunate office seekers. The number who called
was unusually large. I am ready to exclaim God
deliver me from dispensing the patronage of the Gov-
ernment. The importunities for office are exceed-
ingly annoying to me. I spent one or two hours to-
day with the Secretary of War, in arranging the
nominations to the Senate of military officers under
the 10 Regiment Bill approved on the nth Instant.
After night several members of Congress called.
Friday, igth February, 184J. — My office was
crowded this morning with visitors, most of them
seeking military appointments. For the last week
I have been greatly annoyed by this kind of im-
portunity. The City is crowded with young men,
many of them loafers without merit, seeking mili-
tary appointments. Members of Congress tell me
that they are compelled to come with their con-
stituents to present their claims, and some of
the members apologize for troubling me as much
as they do. One thing is certain, and that is
that I could soon have an army of officers, such
as they would be, if I could appoint all the appli-
cants. I have endeavoured in vain to turn over the
horde of applicants to the Secretary of War, that I
might have his Report upon their respective merits
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 383
but find it to be impossible, because I cannot refuse
to give audience to my fellow citizens who call upon
me. For more than a week I have been occupied
three or four hours every day in hearing the speeches
and representations of the office seekers and their
friends who pressed their claims for military appoint-
ments. I have pushed them off and fought them
with both hands like a man fighting fire, and en-
deavored to drive them to the Secretary of War as
the regular channel of approach to the President in
matters relating to the military service. It has all
been in vain. I cannot, without insulting them, re-
fuse to see Senators and Representatives who call
in behalf of their constituents, and therefore I am
compelled to bear their importunity with philosoph-
ical patience. I am often exceedingly disgusted
with the scenes which occur in my office, but keep
my temper and endure the painful labour which is
imposed upon me with patience. I could bear this
labour with more patience if members of Congress
and others were more candid, and would not, as they
do, constantly deceive me about appointments. I
am almost ready at some times to conclude that all
men are selfish, and that there is no reliance to be
placed in any of the human race. Really such would
be the fact, if I were to judge from some of the
impositions which have been made upon me. Even
members of Congress have no hesitation in deceiving
me in order to obtain appointments for their con-
stituents, though there is every reason to believe they
know them to be unworthy. To-day I gave positive
orders to close my office at 11 O'Clock. After that
384 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 Feb.
hour I saw the Secretary of War and transacted busi-
ness with him relating to the appointments to be
made in filling up the 10 Regiments of regular
troops. I transacted business also with the Secretary
of State, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Attorney
General, relating to their respective offices.
After night a few members of Congress called.
This was reception evening. An unusually large
number of persons, ladies & gentlemen, called.
Among them were several Foreign ministers, mem-
bers of Congress, and distinguished strangers now
on a visit to Washington. The Circular parlour was
exceedingly crowded, so much so that one of the other
parlours was lighted up and thrown open.
Saturday, 20th February, 1847.— TWi% was Cab-
inet day, but such was [the] pressure of members
of Congress and others who called that I could not
avoid receiving company. Many persons called,
chiefly seeking military appointments. Many mem-
bers of Congress called on behalf of their constitu-
ents & friends on the same business. I was glad
when the hour for the meeting of the Cabinet ar-
rived. All the members of the Cabinet were pres-
ent. After devoting a short time to the considera-
tion of military movements connected with the War,
the Secretary of War brought up the case of Gen'l
Scott's order detaching Col. Harney ^ of the Dra-
goons from the command of his Regiment, and as-
signing the command to Maj'r Sumner, a junior
* William Selby Harney of Tennessee; brevetted Brigadier Gen-
eral for gallantry at Cerro Gordo, and Major General in 1865.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 38s
officer of the same Regiment. I had some days ago
directed the Secretary of War to address a letter to
Gen'l Scott, disapproving his order and ordering
that Col. Harney should be restored to the command
of his Regiment. It seems that the Secretary of
War did not agree with me in opinion and had post-
poned writing the letter, and now brought the sub-
ject before the Cabinet. The Official Report of
Gen'l Scott with the correspondence between him-
self and Col. Harney were read. From these docu-
ments it appears that Gen'l Scott arbitrarily & with-
out cause ordered Col. Harney, then at the Head
of seven companies of his Regiment on the Rio
Grande, to turn over his command to a junior officer
and proceed himself to Monterey and take command
of the two remaining companies. Col. Harney is
known to be one of the most gallant and best officers
in the service. He was not under any charges of any
kind. He was, however, a Democrat in politics,
was one of Gen'l Jackson's personal friends, and was
appointed by him. I can conceive of no reason but
this for the arbitrary and tyrannical conduct of Gen'l
Scott in doing such gross injustice to this gallant
officer. Gen'l Taylor had acted with the same pro-
scriptive spirit, not only towards Col. Harney, but
other gallant Democratic officers. I have myself
been wholly uninfluenced by any reference to the
political opinions of the officers of the army in the
conduct of the War. It has not been so with the
•Federal commanders in the field. I have good rea-
son to believe that Gen'l Taylor's camp has been con-
verted into a political arena, and that great and pal-
386 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 Feb.
pable injustice has been done to many officers of
high merit who happen to be Democrats. Gen'l
Scott, since he assumed command, has commenced
the same proscriptive & tyrannical course, and I
stated to the Cabinet that I was resolved at any haz-
zard to check it. Mr. Buchanan, though agreeing
that great injustice had been done to Col. Harney,
expressed the opinion in a zealous & strong manner
that as Col. Harney had been put under arrest for
disobeying & protesting against Gen'l Scott's arbi-
trary orders, that no order should be issued from
here until the result of his trial was known. The
Atto. Gen'l, Secretary of War, & [of] the Navy ad-
vised delay in issuing the proposed order. The
Secretary of the Treasury expressed in strong terms
his disapproval of Gen'l Scott's conduct & seemed,
as far as he spoke, to agree with me in opinion,
though he was not very distinct. The P. M. Gen'l
expressed no opinion. I told the Cabinet that I had
great respect for their opinions, but that in this case
I was sure I was right, & would take the whole re-
sponsibility. I told the Secretary of War that if he
was unwilling to write the letter which I had di-
rected to be written I would do it myself. He said
he would write the letter. I told him to state in it
that it was written by my order. I am resolved that
Col. Harney shall not be sacrified to propitiate the
personal and political malice of Gen'l Scott. Were
I not to interpose he may be tried, cashiered, & be
out of the service & be without remedy. Gen'l
Scott, I understand, has a personal hatred as well as
political hostility towards him. He has availed him-
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 387
self as [of] his power as chief in command, has
seized his victim, & is resolved to satiate his venge-
ance by destroying [him]. This I will not per-
mit. I directed the Secretary of War to write the
letter & submit it to me before it was sent off, and
[he] said he would do so.
The Secretary of State informed me that Mr.
Pakenham, the Brittish minister, had applied to
him on behalf of a Brittish mining company in
Mexico to relax the blockade of the port of Vera
Cruz so far as to permit them to import a steam
engine for the use of the company. He expressed
his opinion that the relaxation should be done.
The Secretary of the Treasury expressed the same
opinion. I informed Mr. Buchanan that similar
privileges might be asked by foreigners of other
nations domiciled in Mexico, for permission to im-
port other articles suited to their interest or con-
venience, & that there was -danger that ofifense would
be taken by the nations to which they belonged if
their applications were not granted. I inclined to
the opinion that the strict blockade which we had
declared & were enforcing should be adhered to. I
informed him that I desired him to refer me to the
laws of nations on the subject. He seemed to be
impatient at my doubts, & became animated in in-
sisting upon it that I should act at once. I refused
positively to do so, & required him to refer me to
the public law on the subject before I would act.
The subject was fully discussed. There was mani-
festly an unpleasant feeling on Mr. Buchanan's part
at my refusal to accede to his wishes. Perceiving
388 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [21 Feb.
this I was firm & decided in my refusal, but courte-
ous in manner & language.
The attack on Vera Cruz became the subject of
conversation, when the fact was alluded to that
from Gen'l Scott's letter of the 12th of January last
it would probably be made about this time. The
Secretary of the Navy expressed surprise at hearing
this, and said the Ohio & bomb-vessels designed to
co-operate vyith the land forces had not gone round,
& said he had [not] heard of Gen'l Scott's letter.
I expressed equal surprise at hearing him say this,
& addressing him & the Secretary of War I re-
marked that I had taken it for granted that they
were constantly in conference with each other, and
that each understood the movements & operations
of their respective branches of the service. The
Post Master Gen'l remarked that Gen'l Scott's let-
ter had been read in Cabinet on last tuesday week,
if his memory served. The Secretary of the Navy
replied that he could not have been present. The
Secretary of War remarked that he had supposed
that the Secretary of the Navy knew all about it.
Mr. Mason seemed to be much mortified & left the
Cabinet to issue orders to-day to hasten the move-
ment of the Naval forces to the Gulf.
After night several members of Congress called.
I retired at a late hour, much fatigued with the
week's labour, which has been one of the most in-
tense & severe I have ever performed in my life.
Sunday, 21st February, 1847. — I attended
Divine worship to-day at the Rev. Mr. Smith's Pres-
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 389
byterian church on 9th Street. He preached a
charity sermon for the benefit of the orphan asylum
of this City. I of course contributed to the object.
Mrs. Polk & Miss Henrietta Rachel Armstrong ac-
companied me. Miss Armstrong is the daughter
of Gen'l Armstrong, U. S. consul at Liverpool. He
[she] is at school at Georgetown, but occasionally
obtains leave of absence from her school & spends a
day in my family.
Monday, 22nd February, 184J. — A large num-
ber of persons called this morning. They were
chiefly oflice-seekers. My time is so much occupied
with business & the constant round of visitors which
I am compelled to receive, that I cannot note the
incidents of the day. They are, however, of no im-
portance.
About 9 O'clock P. M. I was waited upon by a
committee consisting of Senators Sevier & Houston
& Mr. Kaufman of the Ho. Repts., and was con-
ducted by them to the Birth-night Ball at Carusi's
Saloon where I remained about half an hour, and
from thence I was conducted to Jackson Hall where
there was another Ball. The assembly at Carusi's
was small. That at Jackson Hall was numerously
attended. I took supper at the latter, attending Mrs.
Dallas to the table. After supper and about 12
O'clock I retired & returned to the President's
mansion. It has been customary for the President
to attend the Birthnight Ball, and thus pay his re-
spect to the memory of the Father of his country.
The Secretary of War read to me to-day the draft
390
JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [23 Feb.
of a letter to Gen'l Scott on the subject of his con-
duct towards Col. Harney of the Dragoons, disap-
proving Gen'l Scott's conduct, which I approved
(see diary of Saturday last). I directed the letter
to be forwarded to Gen'l Scott.
Tuesday, 23rd February, 1847. — This was Cab-
inet day but notwithstanding this a large number of
persons called, and it was not until near an hour
after the Cabinet had assembled that I could get
clear of them. The visitors were on the usual busi-
ness of seeking office. All the members of the Cab-
inet were present. Several matters connected with
our Foreign Relations were considered. Several
other matters of business were also considered. My
time is, however, so much occupied that I cannot
give them in detail.
This was reception evening. An unusually large
number of persons called. Members of Congress,
Foreign Ministers, strangers, & citizens were of the
number. An unusual crowd of strangers at present
throng the City.
Wednesday, 24th February, 1847. — I was
doomed this morning to endure the usual penance
of submitting for hours to be bored by a crowd of
office-seekers. They seem to me to be becoming
more voracious & importunate in their demands.
After I closed my doors I spent two or three hours
with the Secretary of War in conferring upon the
numerous military appointments which I have to
make, numbering near 400. There is great diffi-
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 391
culty about it, as I cannot know one in ten of the
persons appointed. I attended also to other matters
of business. I have never in my life been so much
oppressed with constant & most responsible public
duties as at present.
I had a large Dinner party to-day, among whom
were Mr. C. W. Lawrence & his wife of N. Y., Mr.
Jenifer of Md., Mr. Green ^ of the Boston Post, the
authoress, Mrs. Sigourney," & Mrs. Stephens &
others. Several Senators & Repts. were also of the
party.
Thursday, 2Sth February, 184J. — Saw the usual
round of company to-day. As the session of Congress
approaches its close my labours and responsibilities
increase. When I am most pressed with important
public duties the number of visitors & especially of
officeseekers increase. I was not able to close my
office to-day until about i O'Clock. I spent two
hours with the Secretary of War, on business con-
nected with his Department. The Secretary of
State & of the Navy also called on business. After
night several members of Congress called and oc-
cupied my time until a late hour, when I retired ex-
ceedingly fatigued.
I learn from Mr. McKay of N. C. to-night that
the Democratic members of Congress were to hold
a caucus at the Capitol this evening, to see if it was
^ Charles Gordon Greene, 1 804-1 886, editor of the Boston Post
1831-1875.
' Lydia Huntley Sigourney, 1791-1865, widely known in Eu-
rope as well as in America for her literary works.
392 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [26 Feb.
possible to produce harmony among them and thus
secure the action of Congress upon the important
war Measures which I have repeatedly recom-
mended. The truth is that the Contending factions
of the Democratic party are more engaged in Presi-
dent-making than in attending to the business of the
country. The party is torn by factions & so divided
that I am not sustained in either House of Congress.
The Federalists avail themselves of this unfortunate
state of things, and by being united are enabled to
defeat almost all my measures. The people elected
a majority of both Houses to sustain my policy, but
their Representatives do not do so.
Friday, 2dth February, 184J. — Received com-
pany as usual this morning. There was no abate-
ment of the pressure which has been upon me for
several days for appointments, and especially in the
Military service. I directed my office to be closed
at II O'clock, but it was not until near i O'Clock
P. M. that I got clear of company. I spent one or
two hours with the Secretary of War, who had re-
ceived despatches from the army last night. I was
occupied during the balance of the day in arranging
the military appointments under the 10 Regiment
Act of the nth Instant. I had an interview with
Commodore Perry ^ of the U. S. Navy, who has
been ordered to relieve Commodore Conner in the
command of the Gulf Squadron. After night several
^ Matthew C. Perry, 1 794-1 858; he served In the War of 18 12
and the Mexican War, and in 1 853-1 854 commanded the expedi-
tion which opened the ports of Japan to American commerce.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 393
members of Congress called, and among them were
Senators Dix & Benton, who called at my request.
At 7 O'clock P. M. I had another interview with
the Secretary of the Navy and Commodore Perry.
Com. P. will leave on to-morrow to take command
of the Gulf Squadron.
This was reception evening. Many persons,
ladies & gentlemen, called. The Circular parlour
was filled. There are many strangers at present in
the City.
Saturday, 2Jth February, 184J.— I received
company this morning until the hour of the meeting
of the Cabinet. Many persons called. All the
members of the Cabinet were present. The P. M.
Gen'l after remaining a short time retired, having
official business requiring his attention. I sent a
message to the Ho. Repts. communicating the infor-
mation called for by their Resolution of the ist
Instant in relation to military operations in Mexico,
and embracing the correspondence with Gen'l Tay-
lor. A part of this correspondence relating to the
plans of campaign would have been withheld had
not the information which it contains been conveyed
to the enemy by the publication of Gen'l Taylor's
letter to Gen'l Gaines, and by publication in a New
Orleans paper printed in Spanish, and through vari-
ous other channels from Gen'l Scott's camp. Gen'l
Scott has acted with so little discretion since he as-
sumed the command that the confidential plans of
the Government which were confided only to himself
have been made so public that every Mexican may
394 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [27 Feb.
know them. I have no doubt the Mexican Govern-
ment and Military commander are as well apprised
of the secret instructions which were given to Gen'l
Scott when he left Washington as he is himself. His
vanity is such that he could not keep the most im-
portant secrets of the Government which were given
to him. He is, moreover, wasting himself in most
extravagant preparations, and is making such a
parade before the public in all he does that there is
danger that the objects of the campaign may be en-
tirely defeated. I[t] was only an alternative when
I ordered him to supersede Gen'l Taylor and assume
the command. Neither of them are fit for so im-
portant a command. I have asked Congress for
authority to select a commander in whom I have
confidence, and some weeks ago they refused it.
To-day, I learn, the Ho. Repts. passed a bill ^ by a
vote of ayes 1 12 to noes 87 giving me such authority.
What may be its fate in the Senate is uncertain. My
situation is most embarrassing. I am held respon-
sible for the War, and yet I am required to entrust
the chief command of the army to a Gen'l in whom
I have no confidence.
Several matters of some public importance were
considered by the Cabinet to-day, but I have not
time to give a detailed statement of them. The pres-
ent political condition of Yucatan was among the
subjects considered, in view of the question whether
that State should be treated as a neutral, or as a part
of Mexico and of course at war with the U. S. I in-
clined to the latter opinion, though there was some
^ Passed February 26, 1847. H. Journal, 29 Cong. 2 Sess. 434.
i847l JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 395
difference of opinion in the Cabinet. I devoted the
latter part of the day to disposing of the great mass
of business which had accumulated on my table.
Mr. H. C. Williams, acting as my confidential clerk,
has been for several days past opening & endorsing
my letters so great has been my correspondence.
Sunday, 28th February, 184J. — I did not attend
church to-day. The near approach of the adjourn-
ment of Congress, and the immense importance of
the public business yet to be transacted, made it ab-
solutely necessary that I should give my attention to
several public matters, and therefore contrary to my
habit I did not attend church.
Monday, Ist March, 184J. — Immediately after
breakfast this morning a large crowd of members of
Congress and others called. My office continued to
be thronged with company until after 12 O'Clock.
After that hour I spent some time with the Secre-
tary of War in conferring with him in relation to
the Military nominations which it was necessary to
make to the Senate. I sent to the Senate several
nominations for civil appointments, which it was
necessary to make before the close of the Session of
the Senate. I remained in my office until a late hour
at night, having spent a very laborious day. I have
not time to note the events of the day, some of which
were important. When I retired I was much ex-
hausted by the fatigues of the day.
Tuesday, 2nd March, 184J. — My office was
crowded as usual this morning with members of Con-
396 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [2 Mar.
gress and others. The numerous Military appoint-
ments rendered necessary before the adjournment of
Congress brings upon me a crowd of applicants and
their friends which is perfectly overwhelming. The
Cabinet met to-day, all the members present except
the Secretary of the Treasury, who wrote me a note
stating that the pendency before Congress of several
important measures connected with his Department
made it necessary that he should attend the Capitol
and watch their progress through the two Houses.
I informed the Cabinet that such was the pressing
character of the numerous appointments, military
and civil, to be made before the adjournment, that I
had not time to give my attention to any other busi-
ness to-day. I informed them also that if the Bill
which had passed the Senate a day or two ago ap-
propriating half a Million of Dollars to be donated
to the Government of Great Brittain for the relief
of the suffering poor of Ireland and Scotland should
pass the Ho. Repts. and be presented to me, I could
not approve it. I stated my reasons at some length,
the chief of which was the want of Constitutional
power to appropriate the money of the public to
charities either at home or abroad. I did not form-
ally ask the opinion of the Cabinet on the subject,
but no dissent was expressed to the opinion which
I had given. After one or two hours all the mem-
bers of the Cabinet retired except Mr. Mason and
[Mr.] Clifford, who remained and were engaged in
conversation with each other. Whilst they were
conversing I wrote down very hastily my opinions
on the subject, and read to them what I had written,
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 397
which they approved. I informed [them] that if
the Bill received the sanction of the Ho. Repts. I
would be compelled to put my veto upon it. I have
all the sympathy for the oppressed Irish & Scotch
which any citizen can have. A few days ago I con-
tributed my mite ($50.) for their relief, but my
solemn conviction is that Congress possesses no
power to use the 'public money for any such purpose.
I will, if I can possibly have time, revise what I have
written, & if the Bill comes to me will send in a
message containing my reasons for withholding my
sanction of the Bill.
This was reception evening, but I was so much en-
gaged in the business of my office that I did not go
into the parlour. Several ladies & gentlemen, who
were from a distance (Boston I believe) and who
had never seen me, were shown into my office by the
Post Master General, who had previously called in
and informed me of their desire to see me. They
remained but a few minutes. I retired at a late
hour much fatigued.
Wednesday, srd March, 184J. — A crowd of
visitors called at an unusually early hour this morn-
ing. It was the last day of the Session of Congress;
it was known that I had many military nominations
to make to the Senate, and the office seekers were
more importunate and voracious than usual. I re-
ceived them with all the patience and fortitude which
I could command, but it was very annoying to me.
I sent for Mr. Buchanan and informed him that I
had apprehensions that the Irish relief Bill which
398 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 Mar.
had passed the Senate would also pass the House,
and that with my opinions of its unconstitutionality
(see Diary of yesterday) I could not sign it. I gave
him the draft of the message very briefly embodying
my views, which I had written on yesterday, and re-
quested him, as every moment of my time was occu-
pied with company and business, to take it into the
private room adjoining my office and revise it,
making such suggestions as might occur to him.
He did so, and after very hastily examining his sug-
gestions I lay upon my sopha and from the two
drafts dictated one to Mr. H. C. Williams, a confi-
dential Clerk, who wrote what I dictated to him.
My intention was, if the Bill was presented to me,
not to retain [it] in my hands, but to put my veto
on it, even though it had been very hastily prepared.
It turned out that the Bill did not pass the House
and there was no occasion to do so. I will preserve
my own, Mr. Buchanan's, and the revised draft for
future reference if need be.
In the afternoon, as near as I can judge between
4 & 5 O'clock, the Committee of Enrolled Bills pre-
sented to me a Bill making appropriations for the
improvement of numerous Harbours. It was in
principle a similar Bill to that upon which I had
put my veto at the last Session of Congress, and con-
tained many of the same items. I could not approve
it, but it was not possible for me to prepare a message
assigning my reasons, and I determined to retain it
& give my reasons at the next Session of Congress.
Many other Bills were presented to me which I ap-
proved. In the course of the day I made many
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 399
nominations to the Senate, chiefly for military ap-
pointments. My old friend, James Brown of Mis-
sissippi, his two daughters, and Mrs. Porter, the
widow of Thos. J. Porter dec'd, dined with me to-
day. The Hon. Jacob Thompson & his wife also
dined with me. They had been invited by Mrs.
Polk. I remained but a short time at the table, made
my apology, and returned to my office.
About 6 O'clock I left with my Cabinet for the
Capitol as is usual with the President on the last
night of every Session of Congress, for the conven-
ience of the Committee of enrolled Bills in pre-
senting Bills to him for his approval and signature.
I occupied the Vice President's room, where I re-
ceived the committee from time to time as they had
Bills to present.
A painful and unpleasant occurrence took place.
A Bill was pending between the two Houses and
was expected to pass, authorizing the appointment
of two Maj'r generals and three Brigadier generals
to command the forces to be raised under the lo Reg-
iment act. I went to the Capitol resolved to avoid
the conflict which I anticipated would take place
between the two factions of the Democratic party
in New York, in the selection of one of these Gen-
erals from that state, by passing over that state and
making the selections from other parts of the Union.
I knew from past experience that it would be impos-
sible to make any appointment in the state without
giving great ofifense to one or the other of these fac-
tions. I had kept my determination to myself.
About 8 O'clock the Secretary of War (Mr. Marcy)
400 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 Mar.
introduced the subject with great apparent feeling
& excitement, & said it was of great importance to
him & his friends in N. York that I should appoint
a General Clark of that state a Brigadier General.
I told him promptly that I could not do so, however
anxious I was to gratify his wishes, which I would
certainly do if it was a mere personal matter, I
told him that I had never heard of this Gen'l Clark
until he came to Washington a few days ago seeking
this office, and that from what I had seen and heard
of him I did not think [him] qualified for such a
command, if there were no other objections. But
I told him that the truth was that I had anticipated,
what I had no doubt was true, that it would be im-
possible for me to make any appointments in N.
York that would be satisfactory to both sections or
parties of the Democratic party in that State, and
that I had determined to make my selections from
other parts of the Union. He was very greatly ex-
cited, but used no harsh or offensive expression, but
insisted that it would break down him & his friends
if I did not appoint Gen'l Clark. I repeated that
I could not do so. He left the room shortly after-
wards, returned, and left again several times. His
countenance was sad. His whole mind was evi-
dently absorbed by this matter. It was soon ap-
parent that the members of Congress who belonged
to his faction had been informed of my determina-
tion. Senator Dickinson & some of the members
of the House came into the room repeatedly, con-
versed with Mr. Marcy aside in the deepest appar-
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 401
ent concern, & would then retire. The Cabinet
were all informed of the difficulty (except Mr.
Johnson who was indisposed & had retired) all of
whom were much concerned at the state of things.
At my suggestion Mr. Clifford went to the Senate
Chamber and conversed with Senator Dix, who
stands at the head of the faction in N. York opposed
to Mr. Marcy & his faction. Mr. Clifford returned
& reported to me that Senator Dix said that this
Gen'l Clark was the most obnoxious man in N. York
to the Sound Democracy in the State of New York,
and that Gen'l Dix & his faction were bitterly & un-
compromisingly opposed to him. This was what I
had anticipated. Senator Dix and his faction had
their candidate, and Mr. Marcy & his faction were
as bitterly and uncompromisingly opposed to him as
Mr. Dix & his faction were to Gen'l Clark. It was
utterly impossible to satisfy both sections of the
party by any appointment I could make. Things
continued in this state for near two hours after Mr.
Marcy had first introduced the subject to me. I was
perfectly cool, observing what was going on.
Finally I determined to make a proposition to Mr.
Marcy, which I thought would certainly satisfy him
and his friends & could not give offense to the fac-
tion of Gen'l Dix & his friends. I did so accord-
ingly. It was so far to yield to his position in my
Cabinet and to his wishes as to abandon the determi-
nation with which I had come to the Capitol this
evening, viz.j to pass over N. York and make no se-
lections of a General from that State, and to say to
402 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 Mar.
him that I was willing to appoint Gen'l Enos D.
Hopping^ of N. York who belonged to his (Mr.
Marcy's faction) a Brigadier General. I did this
because some days ago when I was about to appoint
a Colonel in N. York a fierce contest had arisen be-
tween the two factions in Congress from N. York
between Gen'l Hopping & Gen'l Temple,^ Mr.
Marcy and his friends having advocated the former
& Mr. Dix & his friends the latter. Gen'l Hopping
had in that contest obtained the written recommen-
dation of all the Democratic members of the Ho.
Repts., except perhaps one, embracing both factions.
Subsequently Gen'l Temple was recommended by
about half this number, upon the ground, as I was
verbally informed, that when they signed Gen'l
Hopping's recommendation they were not aware
that Gen'l Temple desired the Colonelcy, as he had
been previously presented by them for Brigadier
Gen'l. I had decided to appoint Gen'l Temple Col.
& Gen'l Hopping Lieut. Col. As both factions had
endorsed Gen'l Hopping in writing in the first in-
stance for Col. and as he was a member of Mr.
Marcy['s] faction, I supposed that as all were com-
mitted in writing in his favour for Col, that neither
could object to him now as Brigadier General. I
told Mr. Marcy that I was ready to appoint Gen'l
Hopping, & that [I] did so because of my regard
for him & his position in my Cabinet, and because
^ Enos D. Hopping of New York, 1805- 1847; served in the
Mexican War and was appointed Brigadier General in 1847.
- Robert Emmet Temple; became Colonel of the loth Infantry
in 1847.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 403
I had learned from him that Gen'l Hopping was his
personal & political friend. Mr. Marcy objected to
his appointment, and insisted on the appointment of
Gen'l Clarke. I replied to him that in proposing
to appoint Gen'l Hopping I had yielded much to
gratify him, and that I would not appoint Clarke,
under any circumstances. I repeated to him that
from what I had seen and heard of Gen'l Clark since
he came to Washington (for I had never heard of
him before) I did not think him qualified. I told
him, moreover, that I had heard that he had been
an a[n]ti-Jackson [man], a Bank man up to 1837
or 1838, and that in other respects he had been un-
sound in politics. I closed the conversation by tell-
ing him that I would appoint Hopping, whom he
had informed [me] was his friend, in deference to
him if he desired, and that if I did not appoint Hop-
ping I would take no one from the State of N. York.
He was much excited and immediately left the room,
as I supposed for the purpose of consulting his
friends in Congress. When he returned he in-
formed me that he could not, and his friends in Con-
gress could not consent to the appointment of Hop-
ping, but must insist on Clark. I instantly replied
that my decision w^as irrevocable. He said if I had
proposed Hopping for Gen'l when I appointed
Temple Col. over him it would have been a dififerent
case and might have been satisfactory. I told him
if that was so there was no reason why his appoint-
ment should not be satisfactory now. Mr. Marcy
continued to be moody, with a sad [countenance],
and frequently passed in & out of the room, consult-
404 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 Mar.
ing, as I have no doubt, his friends. Senator Dick-
inson, who belongs to Mr. Marcy's faction, came in
& sought a conversation with me aside, in which he
informed me in an excited manner that if I did not
appoint Gen'l Clarke he would resign his seat in the
Senate, and that Mr. Marcy's friends of the N. York
delegation in the Ho. Repts. would demand of him
that he should resign his seat in my Cabinet. I felt
very indignant at this attempt to bully, but restrained
my temper & said to him, when you get cooler you
will probably think better of it. He repeated what
he had said and I turned away from him. I in-
formed Mr. Mason & some other members of the
Cabinet of what had occurred, & told them that I
felt very indignant at [it], and was resolved not to
be driven from my purpose. Near 12 O'Clock the
Military Bill was brought to me for my approval.
As soon as I had examined & signed it, I directed my
Private Secretary to prepare a message nominating
the Maj'r & Brigadier Generals which it authorized.
When he came to New York I directed him to in-
sert the name of Gen'l Hopping, and turning to Mr.
Marcy said to him, "I shall appoint him, Sir!"
He said it must be understood that he did not advise
it. I told him I understood that, & also my own re-
sponsibility. The nominations were sent to the Sen-
ate & were in a few minutes confirmed by the Senate,
without objection. During the whole evening Mr.
Marcy was wholly absorbed with this appointment,
and gave me no aid in examining Bills presented to
me for my signature, though some of them related
to his Department; and [nor] was he of any service
3847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 405
upon any other matter. 1 expressed my indignation
at the scene which had been enacted in my presence.
I had become perfectly indifferent whether Mr.
Dickinson and Mr. Marcy resigned or not. I knew
that neither of them could be sustained in such a
course for such a cause.
A scene somewhat similar to this, but not [of]
such violence, or carried to such an extent, occurred
in the same room on the Saturday night preceding
the adjournment of the last Session of Congress, viz.,
on the 8th of August last, about the appointment of
a petty Post Master at Buffalo in N. York. In that
case I yielded to the wishes of Messrs. Dickinson &
Marcy and greatly dissatisfied the faction opposed
to them. I am perfectly disgusted with the petty local
strife between these factions. There is no patriotism
in it on either side. I have in many instances re-
fused to lend myself to either & have alternately
given offense to both.
I was notified by the Secretary of the Senate about
12 O'clock to-night that the Senate had rejected
Charles J. Ingersoll, whom I nominated to-day as
U. S. Minister to France. This I deeply regretted,
as Mr. Ingersoll is eminently qualified for the Mis-
sion. He was rejected, I learn, in a thin Senate,
by a party vote & by a majority of one vote. It was
necessary to fill the place, and without consulting
the Cabinet I directed my Private Secretary to pre-
pare a message nominating Richard Rush for that
mission. In a few minutes I was notified by the Sec-
retary of the Senate that Mr. Rush had been con-
firmed unanimously.
4o6 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 Mar.
About I O'clock a committee of the Senate waited
on me and informed me that the Senate were ready
to adjourn, unless I had some further communication
to make to them. I informed them I had none. A
committee, I learn, was appointed by the House for
the same purpose, but they did not call on me. Mr.
Andrew Johnson of Tennessee, I understand, had
moved the Resolution in the House and was at the
head of the Committee. Why they did not call on
me I am not informed further [than] that in the con-
fusion of the close of the session they did not get to-
gether. Both Houses adjourned a few minutes after
I O'clock.
Mr. [My] Private Secretary had provided some
refreshments in my room. Many members of the
Senate & House, Whigs and Democrats, came in &
partook. Good feeling prevailed. I returned to
the President's mansion a few minutes past 2
O'clock.
In the course of the evening I tendered the office
of Maj'r General in the army to Senator Houston
of Texas, who declined accepting it. I then ten-
dered the same office through Mr. Houston & Mr.
Kaufman of the Ho. Repts. to Senator Rusk of
Texas, who also declined accepting it, as Mr. Kauf-
man reported to me. I saw Senator Benton & had a
few minutes conversation with him. He knew that
I had intended to appoint him Lieut. General if a
law had been passed creating that rank. As no such
law had passed, he said to me that if I chose I could
nominate him as Maj'r General. I told him [I]
would do so. I did so accordingly & he was con-
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 407
firmed by the Senate with the other general officers
whom I nominated to-night.
Thursday, 4th March, 184J. — Senator Bright
of Indiana, one of the committee on Enrolled Bills
of the Senate, called immediately after breakfast
this morning in company with Senator Atchison of
Mo., who had been chosen last night President Pro
tempore of the Senate. Mr. Bright presented to me
a Bill which had been signed by the Presiding offi-
cers of the two Houses, entitled " An act for the re-
lief of the Heirs of John Paul Jones," which had
not been presented to me on last evening & of course
had not been approved & signed by me. They in-
formed me that it had been picked up in the Senate
Chamber, where it had been accidentally dropped
either by the Secretary of the Senate or by the Com-
mittee on enrolled Bills. They desired to know
whether I could approve & sign it to-day. I told
them I had no power to do so. They left the Bill
on my table. I will return it to the Secretary of the
Senate.
I kept my office open throughout the day. Many
members of Congress of both political parties called
to take leave of me. A great crowd of members of
Congress & others called, seeking military appoint-
ments. I gave up the whole day to company and re-
tired late at night much exhausted and fatigued.
The Secretary of War did not call to-day & I
heard nothing of his resigning his office, as was
threatened by Senator Dickinson last night (see
diary of yesterday).
4o8 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [5 Mar.
Friday, 5//^ March, 184J. — I ordered my doors
to be open this morning. Many members of [Con-
gress] called. A crowd of persons, chiefly young
men, seeking Captaincies & Lieutenancies in the
army also called. I was greatly wearied by their
importunities. I referred all of them to the Secre-
tary of War, but still they would consume my time
by pressing their claims. The Secretary of the Navy
called and requested me to call the Cabinet together
to-day, as he desired to submit to a Cabinet con-
sultation the manner in which he should execute an
act of Congress passed on the last day of the late
Session, in relation to furnishing to Commodore
Key ^ & Mr. Forbes two of the Vessels of War to
transport provisions donated by Private contribution
to the famishing poor of Ireland & Scotland. I ac-
cordingly summoned the Cabinet to meet at i
O'clock P. M. The Cabinet met accordingly, and
after considering the subject submitted by the Sec-
retary of the Navy, decided unanimously that the
vessels of War should be turned over to the persons
named in the Resolution of Congress, instead of be-
ing commanded by officers of the Navy.
Before the Cabinet met this morning Gen'l Ben-
ton called and informed me that he would address
me a letter, in which he would neither accept or
[nor] decline the office of Maj'r General which had
been conferred upon him, but remarked that [he
^ The persons designated in the resolution were Captain George
C. DeKay of New Jersey and Captain Robert B. Forbes of Bos-
ton. — IJ. S. Stat, at Large, IX, 207.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 409
would accept] if he could be placed in a position to
render efficient service & control the operations in
Mexico, & that he had no desire to go to Mexico
simply to have a plume & bunch of feathers in his
hat; which I understood to mean that if he could be
General in-chief of the army he would accept, but
not otherwise. When he informed me on the night
of the 3rd Instant that I had his assent, if I chose to
do so, to nominate him as Maj'r General, he did not
mention this as a condition of his acceptance of the
office. After disposing of the business submitted
by the Secretary of the Navy, I reported to the Cab-
inet what Gen'l Benton had said this morning, and
desired their advice, whether I could under the ex-
isting laws, place Gen'l Benton chief in command
of the army in Mexico in any other way than by re-
calling all the Maj'r Gen'ls Senior in rank now in
Mexico, viz., Gen'ls Scott, Taylor, Butler, & Pat-
terson. An examination of the Rules & articles of
War took place & after some discussion the opinion
was expressed by several members of the Cabinet,
that I possessed no power to supersede the Senior
Maj'r Gen'ls now in the field so as to place Gen'l
Benton in command, in any other way than by with-
drawing them. I requested the members of the
Cabinet & particularly the Secretary of War & Atto.
Gen'l to examine the legal question before the meet-
ing of the Cabinet on to-morrow, when I desired to
have the question decided. After the Cabinet re-
tired, I continued to see company through the day.
This was reception evening. Though much fa-
410 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [6 Mar.
tigued I attended in the parlour. Many persons,
ladies & gentlemen, called.
Saturday, 6th March, 184'J. — A crowd of per^
sons called this morning, until the hour of the meet-
ing of the Cabinet. All the members of the Cabi-
net were present. After a full discussion & exam-
ination of the laws I took their opinions seperately
and individually, and they were unanimous that the
only mode in which I could place Gen'l Benton in
the chief command of the army in Mexico was to
withdraw or order to seperate posts all the Senior
Maj'r Generals now in Mexico. In this opinion I
concurred (see diary of yesterday).
It was stated by Mr. Mason that he had under-
stood that if Gen'l Benton accepted he would only
do so upon condition that he was invested with Dip-
lomatic as well as military powers. Mr. Walker
objected to employing him in this capacity. The
other members of the Cabinet appeared from their
remarks & their acquiescence to concur with Mr.
Walker in his views. I remarked that if Mexico
agreed to re-open negotiations I desired that the Sec-
retary of State should go out in the character of
Commissioner & conduct the negotiation on our part.
Mr. Buchanan said he would be willing to do so, if
I desired it, but that I must not be embarrassed on
his account; that he was perfectly willing to entrust
the negotiation to any one whom I might select; &
that he had no desire or feeling about it.
After the Cabinet adjourned, which was not until
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 4"
about 4 O'clock, I continued to see members of Con-
gress & others until a late hour at night.
Sunday, yth March, 184^. — Attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day in company with Mrs.
Polk. The balance of the day I rested from my
labours, which have been unusually great for the
last month, indeed during the whole of the late Ses-
sion of Congress.
Monday, 8th March, 184J. — I directed my
porter this morning to admit no visitors until i
O'clock to-day, except members of Congress who
might still be in the City, and officers of Govern-
ment who might call on official business. He obeyed
my orders, but still it was but little relief to me, be-
cause it turned out that almost my whole time was
occupied until i O'Clock by members of Congress
and the friends whom they brought with them, who
were seeking office. More members of Congress,
it seems, are still in the City than I supposed were
here. At i O'Clock my doors were opened for the
reception of visitors generally & a great crowd rushed
into my office. I referred them one after another to
the Heads of the several Departments, saying to
them that I could not perform the duties of Presi-
dent, Heads of Departments, Auditors, & clerks. I
was stern and absolute in my manner & language
and thus got clear of the annoyance.
To-night I found on my table a letter from Gen'l
Benton dated on the 6th Instant. When it was
placed there by my messenger I do not know. There
412 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [8 Mar.
was a large mass of papers and letters on my table
to which I have [had] no time to give any attention,
such have been my pressing engagements. This,
with many other letters with the seals unbroken, was
among the number. On opening it I found that the
conditions on which Gen'l Benton would accept the
appointment of Major General of the army, which
I had conferred upon him by & with the advice &
consent of the Senate, on the last night of the Ses-
sion, were, ist, that he should have the chief com-
mand of the army in Mexico, and 2nd, that he should
be invested with plenary Diplomatic powers to con-
clude a Treaty of peace. Shortly after I opened
this letter the Secretary of State called in & I sent
for the Secretary of War. I had fully examined
my authority under the existing law and was satis-
fied that I possessed no power to assign the chief
command of the army on Gen'l Benton, unless it was
by recalling four senior Maj'r Gen'ls, viz., Scott,
Taylor, Butler, and Patterson. The two former I
should have no hesitation in recalling, but I know
of no reason to justify the recall of the two latter.
The Secretaries of State and of War concurred in
this opinion. (See this diary of the 5th & 6th In-
stant.) After these gentlemen retired I drew up the
draft of a letter to Gen'l Benton, expressing the
opinion that I was not invested with the power by
the existing law to assign him, a junior Maj'r Gen'l,
to the chief command, without superceding the
Senior Generals of the same rank. Gen'l Benton's
letter was in a kind and friendly spirit & the draft
of my answer was in the same spirit. The truth is
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 413
that if Congress at its late Session had conferred
upon me the power to designate a Gen'l in chief, as
I asked them to do, I should have selected Gen'l
Benton for that important command.
Tuesday, gth March, 184J. — This being Cab-
inet day I directed my porter to admit no company.
A few members of Congress, who still remained in
the City, called. The Cabinet met at the usual hour,
all the members present. Mr. Buchanan called be-
fore the Cabinet met. I submitted to him the draft
of the letter which I had prepared in answer to Gen'l
Benton's letter (see Diary of yesterday). Mr. Bu-
chanan took my draft and prepared one from it at
my request. When the Cabinet met both drafts were
submitted for their consideration. The subject mat-
ter of Gen'l Benton's letter and the proposed answer
were fully discussed. Several modifications of the
two drafts were suggested, and finally a draft was
made which received the unanimous approval of the
Cabinet. After the Cabinet adjourned I addressed
the revised draft to Gen'l Benton and sent it by my
messenger. (See my letter Book.) I will preserve
all the drafts which were prepared. This was re-
ception evening. I attended in the parlour. A few
persons, ladies & gentlemen, called.
Wednesday, lOth March, 1847. — I saw no com-
pany until I O'clock P. M. to-day. Having seen
in the New Orleans papers which arrived last night
that Maj'r Gen'l Butler was in New Orleans, and
thinking it probable that he had leave of absence
414 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo Mar.
from the army in consequence of his wound or from
bad health, and that possibly he might not be able
to resume his command, it occurred to me, if this
was so, that the difficulties which had interposed of
placing Gen'l Benton in the chief command would
be partially removed. I did not still see my way
entirely clear to remove three Senior Maj'r Generals
who had rank of Gen'l Butler, but thought it prob-
able that I might do so in a short time. With a
view to such a contingency I requested my Private
Secretary immediately after breakfast to call on
Gen'l Benton and request him to postpone any final
decision as to his acceptance of his commission as
Maj'r General for a few days, and until I could con-
fer with him. My Private Secretary returned in
about an hour & reported to me that Gen'l Benton
had informed him that he had addressed letters to
the adj't General &c myself declining to accept the
commission. His letter to me had not reached me,
but came in in about an hour after my Private Sec-
retary returned, and shortly afterwards his letter to
the adjutant General was sent to me from the War
Department with the following endorsement in pen-
cil upon the envelope, viz., " Rec'd five minutes be-
fore II O'clock, March loth, 1847, R. Jones, A.
Gen'l."
I sent for the Secretary of War, and the Secretary
of State happening to come in, I read to each the
letter which I had received from Gen'l Benton &
had some conversation with them. After a con-
ference with them I addressed a note to Gen'l Ben-
ton requesting him to call on me between 7 and 8
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 415
O'clock this evening. A few minutes after 8
O'clock Gen'l Benton called. I informed him that
I had sent him a message this morning by my Pri-
vate Secretary requesting him to suspend any de-
cision whether he would accept or decline the
appointment of Maj'r Gen'l of the army for a few
days, and until I could have further developments
from the seat of War. I stated to him the fact that
Gen'l Butler had arrived at New Orleans on leave
of absence, in consequence of ill health produced by
his wound, and that he might possibly not be able
to return to the army. I told him that I had no
power to place him in command but by recalling
four senior Maj'r Generals, but that if Gen'l Butler
should not be able to return to the army, there would
be less difficulty in placing him in the position he
desired. He replied that he could not postpone his
decision. He spoke in a tone of great indignation
at the speculations of some of the letter-writers con-
nected with some of the Departments at Washington,
to his prejudice. I replied that I had seen none of
their letters, & did not know that there were any
letter writers connected with any of the Depart-
ments. He then mentioned the name of Mr. Grund^
as one of them, & gave a bad character of him. I
told him that Mr. Grund was not connected with
any of the Departments, and that I had no inter-
course with him, except that he had occasionally
called into my office when it was open for the re-
ception of the public, and that on such occasions I
had treated him courteously, as I did all who visited
^ Probably Francis J. Grund.
4i6 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo Mar.
me in my own office. The result of our conversation
was that he declined suspending his decision to de-
cline accepting the office of MaJT General. He was
in a pleasant humour & his conversation was in a
friendly tone. I had a long conversation with him
in which he gave his views fully of what he con-
sidered to be the proper operations of the army in
Mexico under existing circumstances. He had great
apprehensions from the Vomito.^ He was in favour
of raising the blockade at all the ports in our mili-
tary possession, & levying a tarifif of duties, as a con-
dition upon which importation should be allowed.
I had, in the first instance, stated to him that such
was my policy and enquired of him if in his opinion
I possessed the power under the laws of War to es-
tablish such regulations. He said he had no doubt
that I possessed the power and ought to exercise it.
I enquired of him if he would make any discrimina-
tion between the productions of the United States
imported into the ports of Mexico in the possession
of our arms, and those of foreign countries imported
in Foreign bottoms. He said that he would not.
His decision was positive that he would not accept
the office of Maj'r Gen'l, & that he would not post-
pone a decision of that question to await further de-
velopments as I had requested him to do. I then
asked him who he would recommend to me as his
successor. He replied that he was not prepared to
answer the enquiry. He retired after a long conver-
sation.
^ The yellow fever; vomiting is one of the characteristics of this
disease.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 417
Shortly after he retired Mr. Buchanan came in &
I repeated to him what had occurred. In the course
of the conversation Col. Benton intimated very dis-
tinctly that some of my Cabinet had not been in
favour of the recommendation which I had made at
the late Session of Congress to create a General offi-
cer who should have the chief command of the army.
He said that I was sincere, he knew, and so were
the body of the Cabinet, but there was a part of the
Cabinet, as his friends informed him, who were not
so. I told him he must be mistaken; and that I
was sure they had all been in favour of the measure.
He insisted that he was not mistaken. I replied that
I was still sure he was mistaken.
Mr. Buchanan informed me that he would leave
the City on to-morrow on a short visit to Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania.
Thursday, nth March, 184'/. — I gave orders
to my porter not to admit company to-day until i
O'clock P. M. except officers of the Government on
business or members of Congress who might still be
in the City. The Vice President, Senator Bagby,
and several others called, and I had scarcely a mo-
ment of time to attend to any other business until the
hour of I O'clock. At that hour my doors were
opened, when a crowd of office seekers rushed in.
I was very stern & absolute with them. I gave them
no encouragement. I am heartily disgusted as well
as greatly fatigued with such importunities. All
those who were seeking military & small civil offices
I turned over to the Heads of the several Depart-
4i8 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [12 Mar.
ments to which their respective applications related.
My office was not clear of them until near 3 O'Clock.
I requested my Private Secretary to call on Gen'l
Benton & say to him that I left it to him whether the
correspondence which had passed between us on the
subject of his accepting his appointment as Maj'r
Gen'l should be published or not. My Private Sec-
retary returned bringing with him a printed letter
from Gen'l Benton embracing the correspondence.
This printed letter was addressed as a circular to the
Senators of the U. S. About dark I received a
friendly note from Gen'l Benton accompanied with
one of the printed circulars. He informed me that
he had published it in order to vindicate himself
from the aspersions of Washington letter-writers.
After night the Hon. Mr. Fries of the Ho. Repts.
from Ohio called.
Mr. Buchanan, the Secretary of State, left this
morning on a visit to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I
appointed Mr. N. P. Trist, chf. clerk, to be acting
Secretary of State in his absence. The Secretary of
War, of the Navy, & the P. M. Gen'l & the Atto.
Gen'l severally called on business in the course of
the day.
Friday, 12th March, 1847. — I directed my
porter to admit no company until i O'Clock P. M.
to-day, unless members of Congress or officers of the
Government called, whom I would see. Gen'l
Benton called & held a conversation with me about
the military operations now in progress of execution
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 419
in Mexico. He gave me his views at some length.
He was still much excited at the Statements made by
letter-writers from Washington to the Baltimore
Sun and other newspapers, in relation to his appoint-
ment as Maj'r Gen'l of the army. He said these
letters bore upon their face the evidence that they
proceeded indirectly from some of the Executive
Departments, and were regarded by the public as
semi-official. He expressed his opinion that the
Secretary of State and Secretary of War had been
opposed to the recommendation which I made to
Congress at its late Session in favour of the appoint-
ment of a Gen'l in-chief, or Lieut. Gen'l of the army.
He spoke in terms of some excitement of the course
of Mr. Buchanan & Mr. Marcy on this subject. I
replied to him that these gentlemen, as well as the
other members of my Cabinet, had uniformly ex-
pressed themselves to me in Cabinet council and in-
dividually in favour of the measure. He seemed to
be fixed, however, in the opinion which he had ex-
pressed. He spoke also of some numbers which
Mr. Buchanan had written for the Pennsylvaniati
newspaper last fall on the Oregon question, to which
he took exception. I thought he was more excited
towards Mr. Buchanan than towards Mr. Marcy.
He remarked in the course of his conversation that
he and all his friends were fully satisfied that I had
been sincere & had done all in my power to induce
Congress to confer the authority on the Executive
to appoint a Gen'1-in-Chief of the army, but re-
peated that some of my Cabinet (alluding to Mr.
420 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [12 Mar.
Buchanan & Mr. Marcy) had not cooperated with
me. I still expressed to him my belief that he was
mistaken, but I could not satisfy him.
I informed Gen'l Benton that I was seriously con-
sidering of the policy of raising the blockade of all
the ports of Mexico which were or might [be] in
our military possession, and opening them to the
commerce of the world, levying such a tarifif of
duties as would be reasonable as a condition of ad-
mitting commerce in a conquered town in possession
of our arms. I expressed to him the opinion that
a large amt. of revenue might in this way be col-
lected & applied to defray the expenses of the War.
I asked his opinion as to my power to adopt such a
measure & as to its policy & propriety. He con-
curred with me in opinion that I possessed the power
under the laws of nations defining the rights of a con-
quer[or] over a town or province in his military oc-
cupation, and that it would be wise to do so. I
afterwards saw the Hon. Mr. Douglass of Illinois,
who was of the same opinion & gave the same advice.
I sent for the Atto. Gen'l after I had consulted these
gentlemen & requested him to collect the authorities
on the subject & give me his opinion informally. I
requested Mr. Trist, the acting Secretary of State,
also to examine the authorities, which he did & sent
me the books in the course of the afternoon. In the
course of the evening I examined them with some
care, and was perfectly satisfied that I possessed the
power & that it would be wise to exercise it. I saw
the Secretary of War, who concurred in this opinion.
I informed him that I would bring the subject be-
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 421
fore the Cabinet on to-morrow. I called the atten-
tion of the Secretary of War to the propriety of in-
structing Genl Scott not to keep his forces on the
coasts of Mexico after the season of the black-vomit
commenced. He concurred in opinion with me &
I directed him to prepare a despatch accordingly.
He said he would do so, and would have it ready to
submit at the Cabinet meeting on to-morrow.
This was reception evening. But few persons
called, almost all the members of Congress and
strangers having left the City. I was in the parlour
during the evening.
Saturday, IJth March, 1847. — This being Cab-
inet day I directed my porter to admit no company.
A few persons were introduced by officers of the
Government who called. The Cabinet met at the
usual hour, all the members present except the Sec-
retary of State, who is absent from the City on a
visit to Pennsylvania. The Secretary of War read
the rough draft of a despatch to Gen'l Scott, which
he had prepared in pursuance of my instructions on
yesterday, in relation to the removal of the troops
under his command from the region of the vomito
or yellow fever, during the unhealthy season. It
embraced also other matter relating to military and
naval operations, and particularly in regard to an
attack on the Castle at Vera Cruz. The Secretary
of the Navy suggested some modifications of the
paper, and after some discussion, being satisfied that
the modifications suggested were proper, I requested
the Secretaries of War & of the Navy to confer to-
422 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [13 Mar.
gether this evening and prepare a modified paper,
and requested them to submit it to me before it was
sent ofif.
I submitted to the Cabinet the propriety of raising
the blockade of such of the ports of Mexico as may
be in the military possession of our arms, & of levy-
ing a tax or tariff of duties on commerce to such
ports, to be applied to defray the expenses of the
War (see this diary of yesterday). The Atto. Gen'l,
whom I had requested on yesterday to examine the
authorities as to the executive power, brought with
him the books containing the doctrine on the subject,
and gave his opinion that I possessed the undoubted
power, and advised that it should be exercised. All
the Cabinet concurred with the Atto. Gen'l, & I my-
self was clear in my opinion that the power existed,
and that it would be wise to exercise it. Some dis-
cussion upon the details of the measure took place.
My impression had been that a duty of 25 per cent
upon all imports from our own and all other coun-
tries, to be collected by officers of the army and navy,
would be proper. The Secretary of the Treasury
was of opinion that we should adopt the Mexican
tariff in such ports as were in our military possession.
He said he had a copy of that tariff in the Spanish
language. I requested him to have it translated &c
to prepare the order which would be necessary to
carry out our views, at his earliest convenience, so
that the subject in its details might be submitted to
the Cabinet.
I learn this afternoon that Mrs. Allen, the wife
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 423
of Senator Allen of Ohio, died to-day at Brown's
Hotel in this City.
Sunday, 14th March, 184J. — I attended the first
Presbyterian church this forenoon in company with
Mrs. Polk, her niece, Miss Rucker, and Henrietta
Rachel Armstrong. In the afternoon I attended
the methodist church called the Foundary church,
in company with Mrs. Polk and her niece, Miss
Rucker.
The Secretaries of War and of the Navy called to-
day, and submitted to me the revised draft of the de-
spatch to Gen'l Scott which I requested them to pre-
pare on yesterday. They called to-day because it
was deemed important to send off the despatch by
the mail of to-night.
Monday, ISth March, 184'J. — I saw a few offi-
cers of the Government this morning on official
business but did not open my doors for the reception
oi visitors generally. At 12 O'Clock accompanied
by Mrs. Polk & Miss Rucker, I rode to Brown's
Hotel and attended the funeral of Mrs. Allen, the
wife of Senator Allen of Ohio. Mrs. Allen died in
this City on Saturday last. We attended the funeral
ceremony at the Hotel, & joined the procession & ac-
companied the body to the Congressional burying
ground, where it was placed in a vault. I returned
to my office about 2>^ O'Clock P. M. and devoted the
balance of the afternoon in disposing of the business
on my table.
424 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i6 Mar.
Brigadier General Franklin Pierce of N. H. &
Col. Caleb Cushing ^ of Massachusetts called on me
to-day and again after night, with both of whom I
had much conversation in relation to the War.
Gen'l Pierce expressed deep regret that Gen'l Ben-
ton had declined to accept the office of Maj'r Gen'l,
and said he had utterly ruined himself with the
masses of the people of the country, at least such he
thought was the public sentiment at the north. Col.
Cushing concurred in this opinion. I think myself
that Gen'l Benton will have reason to regret his
course.
Tuesday, idth March, 184'/.— Thh being Cab-
inet day I saw no company. The Cabinet assembled
at the usual hour, all the members present, Mr. Bu-
chanan, who had been absent for a few days on a
visit to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, having returned
this morning. I informed Mr. Buchanan of the de-
cision of the Cabinet at its last meeting to raise the
blockade of the Mexican coasts at such ports as were
in the actual possession of our arms, to permit com-
merce with all nations, to levy and collect a duty to
be applied to defray the expenses of the War. I told
him that I had understood from him that he con-
curred in these views. He replied that he did so.
The Secretary of the Treasury then stated that the
Mexican tariff was being translated into the English
language, and that it would require several days to
adjust the details of the system and the instructions
^ Caleb Cushing, 1800-1879, statesman and lawyer, Attorney
General during Pierce's administration.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 425
which should be given to our naval and military
commanders. I told him that I wished as little de-
lay as possible in preparing & issuing the orders.
He said he would make every effort in his power to
facilitate them.
Our relations with Yucatan was the next subject
of consideration. The instructions to be prepared
by the Secretary of the Navy to our squadron in the
Gulf were agreed upon.
This being reception evening, a number of per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, called. I received them in
the parlour.
I suggested to Mr. Buchanan to-day the propriety
of sending a copy of the Three Million Act to Mr.
Black, late U. S. Consul at Mexico. He thought it
unnecessary, but agreed to do so.
Wednesday, ijih March, 184J. — Kept my
doors closed until i O'Clock to-day, at which hour
they were opened for the reception of visitors. All
who called were office seekers. I treated them with
the courtesy which I always observe in my office, but
firmly & very unceremoniously informed them that
there were no vacancies, and that I had no offices
for them. Whilst the room was crowded with them,
my messenger announced that the Rev'd gentlemen
of the methodist conference, now sitting in this City,
had called in a body and were in the parlour below
stairs. I made my apology to the company present
& left my office to receive them. Mrs. Polk accom-
panied me. In the red Parlour I found Mr. Bu-
chanan and Mrs. Walker & Miss Rucker. On en-
426 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [17 Mar.
tering the Circular parlour I found about 150 Min-
isters of the Gospel standing in a circle around the
room. The Rev'd Mr. Slicer introduced me & also
Mrs. Polk to them generally. Immediately after-
wards a Rev'd gentleman made an address to me, to
which I responded. Mr. Slicer then gave a general
introduction to Mr. Buchanan & Mrs. Walker &
Miss Rucker. The whole body then came up &
shook hands with me. I accompanied them to the
East Room and to other parts of the building. On
leaving they all shook hands with me. I was pleased
to meet them, and they seemed to be gratified with
their visit.
The Secretary of the Navy called & read to me his
despatch to the commodore of our squadron in the
Gulf in relation to Yucatan, which I approved.
Mr. Buchanan sent to me to-night a draft of a letter
to Mr. Black, late U. S. consul at Mexico, which was
agreed upon on yesterday, which I approved.
After night Senator Breese called. He has al-
ways an axe to grind. He is perhaps the most
troublesome and inveterate seeker for office for his
friends in either House of Congress. He has caused
me to make some bad appointments. He has no
sooner procured an appointment than he sets to work
to procure another. I am compelled to conclude
that he is governed more by his personal and political
interests than by the public good, in his recommen-
dations, and I have now much less confidence in the
correctness of his recommendations than I had some
months ago.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 427
Thursday, l8th March, 184'/. — My office was
kept closed to-day until i O'Clock P. M. During
the morning I disposed of much business relating to
applications for pardons & other business, which had
accumulated on my table. At i O'Clock when my
doors were opened a crowd of loafers rushing
[rushed] in seeking office. I felt great disgust at
their importunity, and the reflection was on my
mind, how much better it would be for them if they
were at their respective homes pursuing some hon-
est business for a livelihood [rather] than to be
hanging on at Washington as mere place seekers, in
order that they might be supported at the public ex-
pense. The Secretary of War fortunately came in
half an hour after my doors were opened, and re-
lieved me from their importunity. I had a fair
apology to say, as was really the case, that I had
official business with the Secretary of War. Upon
this announcement they all, of course, left my office.
I felt that I had been fortunately relieved of them,
and that I was enabled to attend to the more impor-
tant business of the country.
Mr. Buchanan called to know if I approved the
draft of his letter sent to me on yesterday, addressed
to Mr. Black, late U. S. consul at Mexico. I told
him that I did approve it, and returned it to him.
He said that he would send it oflf this evening.
To-night at 8 O'Clock I accompanied Mrs. Polk
and the other ladies of the family to the residence of
Gen'l Thos. H. Benton in this City, & witnessed the
marriage of his eldest daughter, Miss Eliza Benton,
428 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [19 Mar.
with Mr. Jones ^ of New Orleans. I waited on the
bride to the supper table and shortly after supper I
retired & returned to the President's mansion, leav-
ing Mrs. Polk & Mr. & Mrs. Walker and Miss
Rucker enjoying themselves with the bridal com-
pany.
Friday, igth March, 184^. — I opened my doors
at I O'clock to-day. Several officers of the Govern-
ment and a few other persons were, however, ad-
mitted before that hour. I had an interview with
the Secretary of War and the adjutant Gen'l in re-
lation to military operations in Mexico. Among
other things I directed that the several companies
authorized to be raised by the 10 Regiment act, as
soon as there should be 64 men rank & file inlisted,
should be moved to the seat of War. I ordered also
that Brigadier General Cadwallader^ should be or-
dered to proceed at once to the Brazos Santiago to
be in readiness to receive and command the troops as
they arrived at that point. The organization of
these companies into Regiments & Brigades will be
made after they arrive at the theater of War. A
lieutenant of each of these companies, which do not
consist of the full compliment of 100 men, will be
left behind to recruit the balance & take them on.
The old officers of the army have insisted that the
10 Regiments should each be filled and organized
^ William Carey Jones.
"George Cadwalader of Pennsylvania, 1804-1879, brevetted
Major General in 1848 for distinguished services in the Mexican
War.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 429
& drilled for some time in the U. States before they
are moved to the seat of war. If this were done
they would not be on [the] theater of action until
mid-summer. Col. Andrews ^ of the Voltigeurs
Regiment is disposed to move at a snail's gait, and
requires to have a coal of fire put on his back to rouse
him to a proper sense of his duty.
Col. John C. Hays of Texas, the Hon. A. O. P.
Nicholson of Tennessee, the P. M. Gen'l, & Mr. Lee
of Texas took a family dinner with me to-day.
I requested the Secretary of War to call at 10
O'clock to-morrow morning and bring with him
Col. Stanton, the acting Quarter Master Gen'l, as I
wished to enquire into the operations of that branch
of the public service, and to correct some errors
which, I had understood, existed in its manage-
ment.
The Rev. Mr. Slicer called [and] introduced to
me this afternoon thirty or forty ministers of the
Gospel of the methodist church, who had not called
before, and who were in attendance upon their Con-
ference in this City. The body of their number had
called a few days ago.
Saturday, 20th March, 1847. — This was Cabinet
day and I closed my doors against all visitors ex-
cept officers of the Government on official business.
The Secretary of War accompanied by Col. Stanton,
acting head of the Quarter-master's Department at
^Timothy Patrick Andrews, 1794-1868. He resigned his posi-
tion as paymaster in the army to accept the command of the Vol-
tigeur regiment, serving until the close of the war.
430 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 Mar.
Washington, called. I held [a] conversation with
Col. Stanton in relation to the operations of the Quar-
ter-masters Department. I condemned the purchase
& employment of the thousands of wagons for which
I learned requisitions had been made by the com-
mander of the army in Mexico. I told him that I
would issu[e] no positive order on the subject, but
expressed the opinion that long trains of miles of
wagons in such a country as Mexico, in which, in
all the wars which had ever occurred in that coun-
try, they had never been used, could only have the
effect of retarding the movements of the army and
rendering it inefhcient in its operations. I ex-
pressed the opinion that pack-mules should be
chiefly employed for the transportation of the army,
instead of the cumbrous appendage of a long
wagon-train, which would require an army for a
guard. I learned from Col. Stanton that contracts
had been recently made for the purchase of 1000
horses in Ohio, to be transported to Mexico upon
which to mount the 3rd Regiment of Dragoons, and
that mules were being purchased in the U. S. for
the use of the army. I expressed the opinion
strongly that this was great folly, as well as involv-
ing the country in a vast expense. I asked them why
horses & mules in Mexico, which were to be had in
great numbers & which were accustomed to the cli-
mate & which could be had at one-fourth the price
which must be paid in the U. S., were not procured.
To this he could give no satisfactory answer, except
that he thought the horses & mules in the U. S.
larger & better than those in Mexico. I was much
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 431
vexed at the extravagance & stupidity of purchasing
these animals in the U. S. and transporting them at
vast expense to Mexico. He left with my direction
to look into the subject more fully than he had done.
The truth is that the old army officers have become
so in the habit of enjoying their ease, sitting in par-
lours and on carpeted floors, that most of them have
no energy, and are content to jog on in a regular
routine without knowing whether they are taking
care of the public interest or not. I shall find it
to be necessary to give more of my attention to these
matters of detail than I have heretofore had it in
my power to do.
The Cabinet met at the usual hour, all the mem-
bers present except the Secretary of State, who did
not come in until about i O'Clock P. M. The Sec-
retary of the Navy read despatches which he had re-
ceived from Commodore Conner in the gulf of Mex-
ico, and from Commodore Stockton in the Pacific.
They contained intelligence of considerable interest.
The Secretary of the Treasury stated that he was
preparing, but had not yet completed, [the] pro-
posed orders with a view to the collection of duties
on all commerce at such of the ports of Mexico as
were or might be in our military possession. This
he was doing in pursuance of the decision of the
Cabinet and my order made a few days ago (see
this diary). He stated that he would be ready to
report the result of his investigation of the subject
at the meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday next.
About I O'clock the Secretary of State came in,
& stated that he had been detained until that hour
432 JAIVIES K. POLK'S DIARY [20 Mar.
in consequence of the arrival from Mexico of Mr.
Atocha, who had been sent to Mexico as bearer of
despatches about the 20th of January last. The an-
swer of the Mexican Government to the renewed
overture of the U. S. to re-open nego[tia]tions,
which Mr. Atocha had borne to them, was presented
by Mr. Buchanan. It was in the Spanish language.
Mr. Buchanan stated its substance & also the con-
versation which he had held with Mr. Atocha. As
none of the Cabinet read the Spanish language with
perfect accuracy, I sent for Mr. Trist, chief clerk
in the Department of State, who translated the an-
swer into English & read it to the Cabinet. It was
in substance that the Mexican Government refused
to re-open negotiations, except upon the condition
that the squadron of the U. S. should be withdrawn
from the coasts, and the army from the territories of
Mexico which are now in the possession of our arms.
I at once declared to the Cabinet that the prelimi-
nary conditions required were wholly inadmissible,
and that no alternative was now left but the most
energetic crushing movement of our arms upon
Mexico. Mr. Buchanan expressed the opinion that
our army should not attempt to march to the City
of Mexico. I replied that I dififered with him in
opinion, & that I would not only march to the City
of Mexico, but that I would pursue Santa Anna's
army wherever it was, and capture or destroy it. I
expressed the opinion that if I had a proper com-
mander of the army, who would lay aside the tech-
nical rules of war to be found in books, which
required a long train of baggage wagons; one who
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 433
would go light & move rapidly, I had no doubt
Santa Anna & his whole army could be destroyed
or captured in a short time. Much other conversa-
tion occurred which it is not important to note.
The mail of to-night brought many vague ru-
mours in the New Orleans papers, to the effect that
a battle ^ with great loss on both sides had been
fought between Santa Anna's army and Gen'l Tay-
lor's forces near Saltillo. These rumours want con-
firmation.
Mr. A. O. P. Nicholson called to-night & spent
two or three hours with me.
Rumours reached [here] to-night of a battle be-
tween Santa Anna's & Gen'l Taylor's armies, but it
is not authenticated.
Sunday, 21st March, 184J. — I attended church
to-day in company with Mrs. Polk & her niece. Miss
Rucker, at the McKendree Chapel- (methodist
church) in this City. Bishop Hamlin[e] preached
a most impressive sermon from the text " The carnal
mind is enmity against God," &c.
The mail of to-night from New Orleans brought
more detailed rumours of the critical situation of
Gen'l Taylor's army and of our forces on the Rio
Grande, which cause painful apprehensions for their
safety. Gen'l Taylor has acted imprudently and
against his own expressed opinion & the opinion of
the War Department in taking a position at Agua
Nueva, so far in advance of Monterey. Gen'l Scott,
^ The battle of Buena Vista, fought February 22 and 23, 1847.
^ On Massachusetts Ave., between Ninth and Tenth Streets.
434 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [22 Mar.
too, may have reduced his force too much, but being
on the theater of action, Gen'l Scott, who was, as
Gen'l in chief, vested with full discretionary powers
as to the disposition of the whole forces, and ought
to have formed a correct judgement on the subject.
It is impossible for the Government at Washington
to form a proper judgment of the disposition and
location of the troops in the field. This we are com-
pelled to leave to the discretion of the commanding
General in the field.
Monday, 22nd March, 1847. — The Secretary of
War called this morning. Upon a full examination
of all the newspaper accounts from New Orleans
containing all the information from Gen'l Taylor's
army which had reached that City in the shape of
rumours, our conviction was that our forces on the
Rio Grande, and especially Gen'l Taylor's advanced
position, were in a very critical position. If Gen'l
Taylor's army be in that condition it has grown out
of his own imprudence in advancing without orders
beyond Monterey & too far into the interior. Gen'l
Scott seems to have assumed the command with the
single idea in his head of taking Vera Cruz, & with
this view has probably reduced Gen'l Taylor's forces
to too small a number. We must, however, wait in
painful suspense for more reliable & authentic intel-
ligence. It was, upon consultation with the Secre-
tary of War, resolved to hasten with all possible
expedition to the seat of War such of the 10 Regi-
ments as were already recruited, which is estimated
[to be] from 1500 to 2000 men, in companies &
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 435
fractions of companies. It was resolved also to au-
thorize Gen'l Brooke at New Orleans to call upon
the Governors of Louisiana & Alabama for such
numbers of volunteers as he might deem necessary,
and as could be speedily moved to the Rio Grande.
It was also determined to write to Gen'l Scott to
afiford to Gen'l Taylor all the succour in his power.
These letters to Gen'l Brooke & Scott had been pre-
pared by the Secretary of War and were read to me
and approved by me. The mail of to-night brought
a printed slip from a New Orleans paper containing
a Proclamation or requisition for a very large force
of volunteers from Louisiana & Alabama from Col.
Curtis of the Ohio Volunteers commanding at Ca-
margo, & stating that all communication between
that place & Monterey & Gen'l Taylor's army had
been completely cut ofif by an overpowering force
of the enemy. I directed the Secretary of War to
address another letter to-night to Gen'l Brooke, com-
manding at New Orleans, to send forward with all
possible despatch as many volunteers as could be
brought speedily to the field from Louisiana, Ala-
bama, & Mississippi. I have great fears for the
safety of Gen'l Taylor's army, and for the whole line
of our military operations in his rear & on the Rio
Grande. Surely Gen'l Scott upon hearing of their
critical situation will rush to their relief. All will
be done here that it is in human power to do to
re-inforce and rescue them from their danger, but I
have great apprehensions that any succour from here
will arrive too late. This subject engrossed my
whole attention to-day. It is true [that] at i
436 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [23 Mar.
O'clock P. M. my doors were opened, and a crowd
of officeseekers came in. No apprehensions of dis-
asters to the army, it seems, could prevent this. I
was almost abrupt to them, and got rid of them in a
very short time. I had no offices for them & I told
them promptly and discharged them.
It is deeply to be regretted that Congress delayed
to so late a period of the Session to authorize the
raising the additional military force which I recom-
mended in my annual message. It was not until the
nth of Feb'y that the first law passed, and not until
the night of the 3rd of March that the 2nd law was
passed, to authorize the raising, organizing, & officer-
ing ten thousand Regular troops to serve during the
War with Mexico. Had these laws, as well as the
loan & revenue bills recommended, been passed
within the first fortnight of the Session as they ought
to have been, the troops would probably by this time
have been on the theater of War ready to render
active & important service.
Tuesday, 23d March, 1847.— Thh being Cabi-
net day, I gave orders to my porter that I would see
no company. Having occasion, however, about 10
O'clock to go into my Private Secretary's office, I
found there an officeseeker by whom I was caught,
and could not well avoid admitting him into my
office. I was quite summary with him. His visit
was short, and he retired not having profited by it
and I judged much dissatisfied. All he wanted was
to be a Brigadier Gen'l of the army. Gen'l Benton
called in, but when some members of the Cabinet
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 437
came in he retired, having remained but a few min-
utes. The Cabinet assembled at the usual hour, all
the members present except the Post Master Gen-
eral, who wrote me a note that he was prevented by
official business from leaving his office.
The military operations in Mexico were the first
subject of consideration. All agreed that if Gen'l
Taylor had not violated his instructions by advanc-
ing beyond Monterey and the passes of the moun-
tain beyond it, he would have been in no peril. I
urged the Secretary of War to despatch with all pos-
sible expedition such portion of the lo Regiments
authorized to be raised by Congress [as was ready]
with the least practicable delay. At my suggestion
the Secretary of War sent for the Adjutant Gen'l,
and I saw him with the Secretary in my Private
Secretary's office. He was directed to issue orders
to all the companies now ready to move with all pos-
sible expedition to the seat of War.
The Secretary of the Treasury reported that he
had completed the examination of the Mexican tariff
which he had been requested to make some days ago,
and had prepared a tariff of duties to be levied on
all articles to be admitted into such of the ports of
Mexico as were in the actual possession of our arms.
The subject was further discussed, and it was unani-
mously agreed by the Cabinet that such duties should
be collected, as a condition upon which foreign com-
merce as well as commerce from our own country
should be admitted at such ports as were in our mili-
tary possession. The imposition of such duties re-
sults as one of the incidents of war belonging to the
438 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [23 Mar.
conqueror of a town or province. They are not to
be imposed under our constitution and laws, but
under the power which belongs to a belligerent over
a conquered town or place. The necessary orders to
carry the measure into effect had not been prepared,
and final action on the subject was postponed until
they could be prepared.
Other public subjects engaged attention and the
Cabinet adjourned about 5 O'Clock. After night
Dr. Jarvis ^ of the army, accompanied by an officer
whose name I do not remember, called. Dr. J. was
direct from the army in Mexico, and was the bearer
of despatches from Col. Curtis of the Ohio Volun-
teers, commanding at Camargo, dated on the 2nd
Instant, and also a letter from the Governor of Lou-
isiana. Col. Curtis must have been greatly and un-
necessarily alarmed, for he called for a reinforce-
ment of fifty thousand men. The Governor of
Louisiana had ordered out a Regiment to be sent for-
ward speedily to the Brazos Santiago. I had a long
conversation with Dr. Jarvis, and became fully satis-
fied that the rumours of the perilous condition of the
army on the line of the Rio Grande were greatly ex-
aggerated. If Gen'l Taylor has met with any dis-
aster, it is certain that it has proceeded from his own
imprudence & want of military forecast & skill, in
advancing beyond Monterey where it was expected
he would have taken his position. Had he taken
that position, his rear could not have been occupied
^ Nathan S. Jarvis of New York, became surgeon in the army
in 1838.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 439
by the enemy & his supplies cut off, as they have
been.
This was reception evening. A few persons, la-
dies & gentlemen, called.
Wednesday, 24th March, 184J. — I had an in-
terview^ this morning with the Secretary of War, and
delivered to him the despatches brought to me from
the army [by] Dr. Jarvis last night. I conferred
with the Secretary of War about many details relat-
ing to the sending forth [of] re-inforcements to
Mexico, and the operations of the army. I find it
to be indispensible to give my personal attention to
many of these details. The old officers of the army
pursue a beaten routine in their respective Bureau,
which may be well enough for a state of peace, but
will not answer for a state of War. Their move-
ments are entirely too slow, & many of them con-
ducted without judgment.
The Secretary of State called & I had an inter-
view with him relating to public affairs connected
with his office. At i O'Clock I opened my office &
endured a siege from the officeseekers for about an
hour. I gave them no countenance or encourage-
ment. In the course of the day I disposed of a
mass of business which had accumulated on my
table.
After night half a dozen members of the Virginia
Legislature called. They informed me that the Leg-
islature of that State adjourned on yesterday. They
were on their way to their homes.
440 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [25 Mar.
Thursday, 2Sth March, 184'J. — Much of my
time was occupied with company to-day. Several
members of Congress still linger in the City, and I
cannot, without giving them ofifense, refuse to see
them at any hour they call. They have no more
business with me than other people have, and I
heartily wish they had left the City. They gener-
ally come in company with some loafing gentleman
who wants an office, and who has interested them in
his behalf, or to seek an office for some constituent
or friend. I transacted official business to-day with
the Secretaries of State and the Navy & with the
attorney General. In the course of the day I dis-
posed of all the current & small business on my table,
and my table is more completely cleared than it has
been at any time since the meeting of the late Session
of Congress. Among others who called to-day was
Senator Lewis of Alabama. I had a long conversa-
tion with him. I informed [him] of my policy to col-
lect a revenue from commerce at the ports of Mexico
in our military possession. He fully approved it.
He expressed his disapprobation of the Resolution
of the Senate expelling Mr. Ritchie from the priv-
ileged seats in the Senate. He took occasion to re-
fer to the statement made by a Washington letter-
writer to some of the Northern papers, during the
late Session, in which the writer affirmed that he
(Mr. Lewis) had stated in substance (I have not the
paper before me) that the President had informed
him that he would secure the support of the North
to his administration by his patro[na]ge, & rely upon
his principles to secure the South. Mr. Lewis said
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 441
that he had never made any such declaration. He
said Mr. Ritchie had called his attention to this state-
ment, and that he would have contradicted it in the
newspapers, if he had not been taken sick about that
time. I told him my attention had been called to the
statement at the time, and that I knew it was false,
but that it would be an endless task to attempt to
contradict all the falsehoods which appeared in the
letters written for the press by hired employees at
Washington.
Friday, 26th March, 184J. — I was occupied as
usual to-day, having given orders to admit no com-
pany until I O'clock P. M. except officers of the
Government who might call. Brigadier General
Cadwallader called at an early hour. I had an in-
terview with him. He was on his way to the seat of
War in Mexico, where he was under [orders] to go
without delay. Maj'r General Wm. O. Butler of
the army called. I found him on his crutches, in
consequence of the wound which he received at the
battle of Monterey. His general health was good.
The Secretary of War called & I transacted official
business with him.
Gen'l Butler, Gen'l Cadwallader, Maj'r Thomas
of The army, the Secretary of War, and Col. Gads-
den of S. C. took a family Dinner with me to-day.
I had much general conversation with Gen'l Butler,
in relation to the War and the operations of the
army in Mexico. I found that he had but little in-
formation but what I possessed before. I made an
appointment to meet him at my office at 7 O'Clock
442 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [27 Mar.
on to-morrow evening. This was reception evening,
but it was a rainy evening and but two or three per-
sons called. I was in the parlour.
Saturday, 2'/th March, 184J, — This being Cab-
inet day my doors were not opened for the reception
of company generally. I saw some of the officers of
the Government on official business. The Cabinet
met at the usual hour, all the members present. The
Secretary of the Treasury read a long paper which
he had prepared to accompany his Report to me in
relation to the rates of duty which he proposed
should be levied in the ports of Mexico in our mili-
tary possession. It was rather a popular appeal than
a practicable business paper. I was not pleased with
it, but did not in terms say so, not wishing to wound
the Secretary's feelings, but suggested to him that
the paper might be much condensed. The Secretary
of the Treasury seems to [have] laboured under a
mistake as to his powers and duties in drawing the
power, [paper]. I informed him that the proposed
duties were proposed to be levied, not by virtue of
authority derived from the Constitution and laws of
the U. States, but from the laws of Nations, which
warranted the conqueror to levy contributions upon
the inhabitants of a conquered town or province. In
drawing the paper he seemed to have acted as though
it was a part of his duty as Secretary of the Treasury
to regulate a tariff of duties in Mexican ports in our
military possession, and to see that the same was exe-
cuted, whereas, being a right of War, it can only be
done by the Military power. I disapproved the pa-
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 443
per. The members of the Cabinet were backward in
expressing their opinions, though it was manifest
they disapproved it also. I told the Secretary of
the Treasury that 1 would address an order to
him in the form of an order, and would request
him to respond in his report simply to the enquiries
I might make, and repeated the opinion that the
paper he had prepared might be much condensed.
I did not say so, but the truth is if the paper
he had prepared had been received by me &
published, it would have subjected him to severe
attacks if not ridicule, for having wholly over-
stepped his authority and duty. In drawing it he
seems totally to have mistaken the scope of his
power and authority. In disapproving it I endeav-
oured & I think succeeded in avoiding to wound his
feelings or self-esteem.
Mr. Buchanan presented several matters relating
to our Foreign afifairs, which were disposed of.
Some other public subjects of no great importance
were considered & disposed of.
At 9 O'clock P. M. Maj'r General Butler called
and remained until after ii O'Clock. We had a
full conversation in relation to the war and the
proper manner of prosecuting it. He gave me but
little information that was valuable.
Sunday, 28th March, 1847. — I attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day in company with Mrs.
Polk and her niece, Miss Rucker. The pastor (Mr.
Sprole) preached his farewell sermon to the Con-
gregation. He had been appointed Chaplain at
444 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [29 Mar.
West Point, and this was the last sabbath he would
have charge of his congregation in Washington.
Exciting rumours arrived this morning from Gen'l
Taylor's army. Similar rumours had been received
by the Southern Mails for the last two or three days.
If Gen'l Taylor is in any danger, as I greatly fear
he is, it is in consequence of his having, in violation
of his orders, advanced beyond Monterey. The
truth is that from the beginning of the War he has
been constantly blundering into difficulties, but has
fought out of them, but at the cost of many lives.
I hope in this instance he may be safe, though I
greatly fear he may have had hard fighting and may
have lost many of his brave men.
Monday, 2Qth March, 184'/. — Two members of
Congress called at different times this morning.
They occupied an hour or two of my time, which
might have been much more profitably employed,
about offices for their constituents, which I had not
to give them. I shall be rejoiced when all the mem-
bers get out of the City, for the few who still linger
here annoy me exceedingly about offices. Maj'r
Gen'l Butler called about 11 O'Clock. I sent for
the Secretary of War, and we had a full conversa-
tion about the manner of prosecuting the war in
Mexico. The Secretaries of the Navy, Treasury, of
State, and the P. M. Gen'l called at different periods
of the day, with each of whom I transacted public
business. Gen'l Benton called and read me a letter
which he had addressed to the people of Oregon,
stating to them that the agitation of the slavery ques-
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 445
tion had caused the rejection of the Bill to organize
a territorial Government over them at the last Ses-
sion of Congress. I disapproved the letter, but
knowing his domineering disposition and utter im-
patience of contradiction or difference of opinion,
and knowing that I could not change his opinions, I
contented myself with simply stating very briefly my
objections to the letter and expressing my doubts of
sending such a letter. I feared it might deceive the
people of Oregon as to the real state of public opin-
ion in the States in regard to them, and might incline
them to set up an independent Government of their
own. Gen'l Benton then asked me to appoint his
son-in-law, Mr. Jones, who married his daughter a
few days ago, a Charge d' Affaires abroad. I told
him there was no vacancy, and gave him no encour-
agement. I told him that there was a place of the
kind which might be vacant soon, but that there were
some commitments in regard to it; and added that I
did not see that it would be in my power to gratify
his wishes. He said he merely wished to present
the application, & leave the disposition of it with
me. Mr. Jones had made a similar application in
person a few days ago (the day before he was mar-
ried) and I gave him the same answer. I note this
case, out of the thousands of applications which are
made to me for office, because I predict if I do not
appoint Mr. Jones that it will be the cause of a
violent outbreak of opposition to me by Gen'l Ben-
ton. Mr. Jones has no claims upon me for this or
any other office. He was but a short time ago the
editor of a Federal paper in New Orleans.
446 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [30 Mar.
Tuesday, 30th March, 184'/. — The Cabinet met
at the usual hour to-day, all the members present.
The Atto. Gen'l being indisposed remained but a
few minutes. The Secretary of the Treasury read
his revised Report to me, made in pursuance of my
directions given verbally to him some time ago, on
the subject of the duties proposed to be levied on
commerce at the ports or places in Mexico in posses-
sion of our arms as a contribution on the enemy.
This Report omitted much of what had been con-
tained in the first draft (see this Diary of Saturday
last) and as now presented was a practical business
paper. This Report having been prepared in pur-
suance of verbal orders given some time ago, and
deeming it proper to give these orders a more solemn
and durable form, I had prepared a written com-
munication directed to the Secretary of the Treasury
embodying the substance of my verbal orders to him,
which I read to the Cabinet and it was approved.
I dated it on the 23rd Instant, being a day of the
Cabinet meeting, & being the day on which the Sec-
retary of the Treasury had presented the first draft
of his Report, which as stated in this Diary of that
day I disapproved. On yesterday I sent for the Sec-
retary of the Treasury and read it to him, and in-
formed him that in my opinion his Report should
be a business paper & simply respond to the call for
information made upon him. In this I was happy
to find he concurred, after I had assigned to him my
reasons for my opinion. I delivered this written
communication to him, and he promised to have the
rough draft of his revised rough draft copied and
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 447
sent to me to-night or early on to-morrow. I told
him that 1 was anxious to have it at his earliest con-
venience, that I might give the necessary orders to
the Secretary of War and of the Navy to carry into
effect the policy adopted by my order to him. 1
then prepared at my table, while the Cabinet were
conversing about indifferent matters, a hasty draft of
the order which I proposed to issue to the Secretaries
of War and the Navy. Before I had concluded it
the Secretaries of State and of War had retired. I
read this hasty draft to the members of the Cabinet
who remained. As, however, it could not be issued
until I had received the revised copy of the Report
of the Secretary of the Treasury, it was not copied.
I will revise it on to-morrow.
I addressed a letter to Gen'l Benton after the Cab-
inet adjournment requesting him to call on me this
afternoon. At 7 O'Clock he called. I informed
him that I had reflected much on the letter which
he had read to me on yesterday, and which he pro-
posed to address to the people of Oregon, and that
I had strong apprehensions that it would be mis-
understood by them, and might have the effect to
dissatisfy them and alienate them from the U. S. &
possibly induce them, under the influence of the
Hudson's Bay Company, to set up an Independent
Government for themselves. I told him that in his
letter which he read to me on yesterday, he had in-
formed them in substance that it was Mr. Calhoun's
attempt in the Senate by his resolutions ^ to assert
^ The resolutions of February 19, 1847. For Benton's opinion
of them see Thirty Years' View, II, 711-713.
448 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [30 Mar.
the principle that there should be no restriction pro-
hibiting slavery in any territory of the U. S. that had
caused the rejection of the Bill (or rather to have it
laid on the table in the Senate) to establish a ter-
ritorial Government over them. I told him that
Oregon was a Northern territory & that slavery
never could exist there, that I condemned Mr. Cal-
houn's course, but this, I feared, would not be under-
stood by the inhabitants in Oregon, who were far
removed from newspapers and other sources of in-
formation. I told him that I had great fears, if he
wrote such a letter, it would produce a mischievous
excitement among the inhabitants. Gen'l Benton
said they would understand it at all events. I told
him that all they would have would be common ru-
mour; but that he (Gen'l B.) was well known in
Oregon, and if he wrote such a letter it would be
authentic and would alarm them on the subject,
when we here knew there would be no cause of
alarm. I told him frankly that I saw no good it
could possibly produce, but that it might do much
harm. Gen'l B. thought otherwise. He had told
me on yesterday that he intended to retain a copy of
the letter & publish it here, and, it was manifest to
me from his conversation yesterday and to-day, to
attack Mr. Calhoun. I told him if that was his ob-
ject, such a publication in the U. S., if he wished to
make it, would not produce the excitement and alarm
in Oregon that a letter addressed by him to the peo-
ple of that territory would. I told him further, as
he knew, that the Secretary of State had a day or
two ago addressed an official letter to the people of
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 449
Oregon, giving them assurances that they would be
under the protection of our laws, and expressing the
opinion that a Territorial Government would be es-
tablished over them early in the next Session of Con-
gress, but that he had made no allusion in it to
slavery. 1 had a conversation of some length with
him, assigning other grounds of objection to his let-
ter. He still inclined to send it, but finally said that
he would consider of it to-night, and if he concluded
to with-hold it he would see Mr. Shively, by whom
he was to send it, and to whom he had delivered it,
on to-morrow morning before he started, and would
get it back from him.
A newspaper account reached [here] to-night of
a battle having been fought at Nueva Vista between
the Mexican & American armies, showing great loss
on both sides.
Wednesday, 31st March, 184J. — Senators Dix
of N. Y. & Allen of Ohio [and] Mr. Sykes of the
Ho. Repts. of N. Jersey severally called this morn-
ing, and occupied much of my time. I was glad to
see these gentlemen but was much pressed with
business. They desired to obtain offices for their
friends. The Kansas Indians called and I had an
interview with them in the presence of Col. Medill,
the commissioner of Indian affairs. At i O'Clock
P. M. I opened my office for the reception of vis-
itors generally. A crowd of persons, male and fe-
male, came in and occupied me an hour or more
very unprofitably. Most of them wanted offices.
I had a conference with the Secretary of the
450 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i April
Treasury & Secretary of War in relation to the levy
of contributions on the enemy by imposing a duty on
tonnage & imports in the ports of Mexico in the pos-
session of our military forces by conquest. The
Secretary of the Treasury brought over his Re-
port in answer to my letter to him of the 23rd In-
stant. (See my letter Book for copy). I examined
the report, and the Secretary of the Treasury took it
back to make some modifications which were sug-
gested. He returned with [it] again after night. I
prepared a letter to the Secretary of War & of the
Navy on the subject (see my letter Book for copy).
Mr. Buchanan, Sec. of State, left this morning on
a visit to his residence at Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Thursday, ist April, 1847. — I gave a positive
order this morning that I would see no company to-
day, except officers of the Government on official
business, and my messenger faithfully obeyed the or-
der. Mr. Young, the commissioner of the General
Land office, called, and I examined and signed two
Proclamations for the sale of the public Lands in
Iowa and Wisconsin. I have ordered that all the
public lands shall be brought into market as fast as
they are surveyed and ready for sale. I do this in
order to raise as much revenue as possible from that
source, and thus avoid to that extent the creation of
a Public Debt. At 11 O'Clock the Secretaries of
the Treasury, War, & the Navy called by appoint-
ment, for the purpose of examining more particu-
larly than had been before done, the orders issued
by me and the Report to me of the Secretary of the
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 451
Treasury in relation to levying contribution upon
the enemy in the ports of Mexico in our military
possession. The scale of duties & the regulations
proposed by the Secretary of the Treasury in his Re-
port to me of the 30th ultimo were carefully revised,
and some modifications of the regulations were
made. While engaged in this examination Maj'r
Gen'l Butler of the army called. I invited him
into my office and he was present during a part of
the conference. I asked his opinion upon some of
the points, and he made some valuable suggestions.
He expressed his entire approbation of the policy
adopted to levy contributions by the proposed tariff
of duties on the enemy. Mr. Ritchie was also pres-
ent a part of the time. I handed to him for publica-
tion in his paper my communication to the Secretary
of the Treasury of the 23rd ultimo, and his Report
to me of the same month. My orders to the Sec-
retaries of War and the Navy of the 31st ultimo, and
their orders based thereon will be published in his
paper of to-morrow. The intended policy has be-
come known by public rumour, and I deem it best
to publish the official documents at once.
By the Southern mail of this evening official de-
spatches were received from Gen'l Taylor giving a
detailed account of the battle of the 22nd and 23rd
ultimo.^ It was a severe battle. Many valuable
officers & men fell, and among them my old esteemed
friend. Col. Archibald Yell, of the Arkansas
mounted Regiment. I deeply deplore his loss. He
was a brave and a good man, and among the best
^ The battle of Buena Vista.
452 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i April
friends I had on earth, and had been so for 25 years.
His eldest, and perhaps his only son, is now at Col-
lege at Georgetown, and as my impression is that
Col. Yell died poor, I will in that event educate the
boy, and shall take great interest in him.
A despatch from Commodore Conner was re-
ceived to-night, communicating the information
that Gen'l Scott's forces had landed near Vera Cruz
on the 7th Instant without serious resistance.
Had Gen'l Taylor obeyed his orders & occupied
Monterey and the passes beyond it, the severe loss of
our army, including many valuable officers, would
have been avoided. It was great rashness to take
the position he did in advance of Saltillo. Having
done so he [is] indebted not to his own good general-
ship, but to the indomitable & intrepid bravery of
the officers and men under his command for his suc-
cess. He exposed them to an opposing army of
three or four times their number. The Mexican
army were suffering for want of food, and took up
their retreat shortly after the battle. Gen'l Taylor
is a hard fighter, but has none other of the qualities
of a great General. From the beginning of the ex-
isting War with Mexico he has been constantly
blundering into difficulties, but has fought out of
them, but with very severe loss. His first blunder
was in seperating his army from his supplies, which
caused the battle of Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Palma. His second was in moving upon Monterey
with an inadequate force, leaving more than two
thirds of his whole army behind him with [the] bat-
tering [?] trains, & this caused the hard battle &
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 453
some loss at Monterey; & the last is in taking his
position so far in advance of Monterey, which caused
the late sanguinary battle. 1 rejoice that our brave
army have been successful in this battle, but deeply
lament the severe loss they have sustained.
Friday, 2nd April, 184J. — I was busily engaged
in transacting public business with several of my
Secretaries, and in disposing of the business on my
table. At i O'Clock P. M. I directed my doors to
be opened, and spent an hour in receiving company.
The persons who called had but little other business
but to apply to me for offices, which I did not have
to give. I disposed of them very summarily. At
2 O'clock P. M. Maj'r Gen'l Wm. O. Butler and
the Secretary of War called, that being the hour
which I had appointed to receive them. I had an
unreserved and full conversation with them in rela-
tion to the future operations of the army in Mexico,
and the proper manner of prosecuting the War.
Gen'l Butler expressed the opinion that Gen'l Tay-
lor's column, to which he was attached, would re-
quire 10,000 men, and that these should hold and
garrison the frontier of the Rio Grande as far as
Monterey or Saltillo, now in our possession, and
that we should occupy a line South of Monterey to
the coast, and have garrisons at Linares, Victoria,
and Tampico. 10,000 men he estimated would be
sufficient for this purpose. For the advancing col-
umn under Gen'l Scott from Vera Cruz, he esti-
mated that 20,000 men would be required to advance
upon and take the capitol. Many other matters con-
454 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [3 April
nected with the war were fully discussed and con-
sidered. In the midst of the consultation dinner was
announced, and Gen'l Butler & the Secretary of War
took a family Dinner with me. We returned to the
office after Dinner and continued the discussion until
near sunset, when they retired. I am gratified that
the conference took place, though I do not know that
I obtained by it much if any information more than
I possessed before. Gen'l Butler gave me some in-
formation about details in the operations of the army,
derived from his personal observation, which may be
useful.
This was reception evening. I met a number of
persons, ladies and gentlemen, in the parlour.
SATURDAYyJrd April, 184J. — This was the regu-
lar day for the meeting of the Cabinet. At the usual
hour of assembling the Secretaries of War and the
Navy and the Post Master General attended. The
other members of the Cabinet were absent. The
Secretary of State is on a visit to Pennsylvania, the
Atto. Gen'l is confined to his house by indisposition.
The Secretary of the Treasury I presume was de-
tained by indisposition, as he was quite unwell a day
or two ago, when I last saw him.
The Secretary of the- Navy read his order to the
commanders of our squadrons in the Gulf of Mexico
and in the Pacific carrying out my order to him of
the 31st Instant directing the tariff of duties, which
had been prepared in pursuance of my orders by the
Secretary of the Treasury, in the ports of Mexico in
our military possession to be enforced. Some modi-
i847] JAMES K. POLK S DIARY
455
fications were suggested and made. It was agreed
that my order to him, & this his order based upon it,
should be published at once in the Unio?i. Some
other public matters were the subject of conversation.
The members of the Cabinet who attended retired
about 2 O'clock P. M.
I dined 'to-day with the Secretary of the Navy.
Mrs. Polk, Miss Rucker, my Private Secretary,
Col. Walker, and Mrs. Walker also dined with
him. The Company consisted of the Secretary of
War & the P. Master Gen'l and his wife, Maj'r
General Butler & Mr. Ritchie. The Secretary
of the Treasury & the Atto. Gen'l were sick, and
the Secretary of State was absent from the City on
a visit to Pennsylvania. It is the second time I
have dined out since I have been President. I dined
onc[e] with Mr. Bancroft, while he was Secretary of
the Navy.
Sunday, 4th April, 1847. — I attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day in company with Mrs.
Polk and her niece, Miss Rucker. Service was per-
formed by the Rev. Mr. Hamner of Baltimore. The
Rev. Mr. Sprole, the late pastor of the church,
having been recently appointed chaplain at West
point, had relinquished his pastoral charge and was
absent. I wish the church may select as good a Pas-
tor as Mr. Sprole was.
Maj'r Gen'l Butler of the army called at 7 O'Clock
P. M. and remained until near 10 O'Clock. I had
a full conversation with him in relation to the War
with Mexico, and the proper manner of conducting
4S6 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [5 April
it. He will leave for his residence in Kentucky on
to-morrow morning, & will proceed to the seat of
War as soon as the condition of his wound will per-
mit him to do so.
Monday, Sth April, 184J. — I was busily en-
gaged this morning in disposing of the business on
my table. Several petitions for pardon, and Indian
Deeds for my approval, among other matters, had
accumulated on my table. I disposed of most of
these cases. The Secretary of War called and sub-
mitted to me his order to the army in pursuance of
my order to him of the 31st ultimo directing contri-
bution to be levied on the enemy in such of the ports
of Mexico as are or may be in the actual military
possession of our arms. I suggested some modifica-
tions, to which he agreed. The Hon. David Tod,
who was appointed U. S. Minister to Brazil at the
close of the last Session of Congress, called to-day.
He stated that his acceptance of the mission would
depend on the health of his wife, which was pre-
carious. At I O'clock I opened my doors for the
reception of company. Several persons called.
The pressure of office seekers was not so great as it
has been heretofore. This afternoon I took a ride
on horseback. It is the first time I have mounted a
horse for over six months. I have an excellent sad-
dle-horse, and have been much in the habit of taking
exercise on horseback all my life, but have been so
incessantly engaged in the onerous and responsible
duties of my office for many months past that I have
had no time to take such exercise.
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 457
Tuesday, 6th April, 1847.— This was Cabinet
day and I saw no company, except officers of Gov-
ernment on official business, several of whom called.
At the usual hour (11 O'Clock A. M.) the Cabinet
assembled. Mr. Buchanan is still absent in Pennsyl-
vania and Mr. Clifford, the Atto. Gen'l, is confined
to his house by a severe attack of illness. No gen-
eral subject of much importance was considered.
Several matters of detail & minor importance were
brought up and disposed of. The Secretary of War
and myself considered the question of the rank to be
assigned to the several officers of the same grade
composing the 10 Regiments recently authorized to
be raised by Congress. The other members of the
Cabinet present made suggestions. I finally deter-
mined to assign to the Field officers their relative
rank, according to my own judgement of their rel-
ative merit; and to determine the relative rank of
the company or subaltern officers by lot, and directed
the Secretary of War to cause lots to be drawn ac-
cordingly.
Mr. Mason, the Secretary of the Navy, mentioned
to me that he had been informed by the Hon. John
S. Barbour of Virginia that he had recently re-
ceived a letter from Senator Calhoun of S. C, the
object of which was to obtain his signature to [an]
address to the people of the U. S. on the subject of
slavery, thus making and endeavouring to make that
question a test in the next Presidential election. Mr.
Barbour informed Mr. Mason, as Mr. Mason told
me, that he had refused to sign the address; but that
he learned that Mr. Calhoun desired that it should
458 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [6 April
be signed by leading men in all the Southern States,
and the Hon. Mr. Seddon among others was named
by Mr. Barbour as one of those who was expected to
sign it. I remarked to Mr. Mason that Mr. Cal-
houn had become perfectly desperate in his aspira-
tions to the Presidency, and had seized upon this sec-
tional question as the only means of sustaining him-
self in his present fallen condition, and that such an
agitation of the slavery question was not only un-
patriotic and mischievous, but wicked. I told him
further, that I had learned from a reliable source
that the New York politicians who were favourable
to the election of Gov. Wright to the Presidency
would be rejoiced at the opportunity to take issue
with Mr. Calhoun on such a question. I did not tell
Mr. Mason my authority for this opinion, but I think
it proper to record the fact. I derived this infor-
mation from Gen'l Benton in a conversation with
him a few days ago (see this diary of tuesday last)
in which I had protested against his addressing a let-
ter to the people of Oregon informing them that the
Bill to establish a territorial Government over them
had been rejected at the last session of Congress on
account of the attempt made by Mr. Calhoun to
leave the question of the existence of slavery in that
territory an open one. In the course of the conver-
sation Gen'l Benton dropped the idea distinctly that
the New York gentlemen had gone home from Con-
gress with a full record of all the facts & intended
to make an issue on that question. I find I omitted
to state this in tuesday's diary. The truth is there is
no patriotism in either faction of the party. Both
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 459
desire to mount slavery as a hobby, and hope to se-
cure the election of their favourite upon it. They
will both fail and ought to fail. The people of the
U. States, I hope, will cast ofif all such intriguers, and
make their own selection for the Presidency, and this
if they are wise they will do. I now entertain a worse
opinion of Mr. Calhoun than I have ever done be-
fore. He is wholly selfish, & I am satisfied has no
patriotism. A few years ago he was the author of
Nullification & threatened to dissolve the Union on
account of the tariff. During my administration the
reduction of duties which he desired has been ob-
tained, and he can no longer complain. No sooner
is this done than he selects slavery upon which to agi-
tate the country, and blindly mounts that topic as a
hobby. Gov. Wright's friends in Congress as un-
patriotically have shown by their course that they
desire to mount the same hobby in the North and
hope to be successful by their opposition to slavery.
They both forget that the Constitution settles [these]
questions which were the subjects of mutual conces-
sion between the North and the South. I am utterly
disgusted at such intriguing of men in high place,
& hope they will be rebuked by the people. This
was reception evening. A number of persons called.
I met them in the parlour.
Wednesday, yth April, 184'J. — I ordered that
my doors should not be opened for the reception of
visitors until i O'Clock P. M. Before that hour,
however, my messenger announced that Mr. Charles
J. Ingersoll of Phila. had called and desired to see
46o JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [7 April
me. I was surprised at this especially after the
strange and extraordinary letter which he addressed
to me on the 25th ultimo, and which was delivered
to me by Mr. Buchanan. From this letter it would
seem that Mr. IngersoU was in a great passion, be-
cause after he was rejected by the Senate as Min-
ister to France on the last night of the last Session of
Congress, I had nominated Mr. Richard Rush for
that Mission. The letter is not only an extraordi-
nary one, but does me gross injustice. I thought at
first of answering it, and may do so yet. I will pre-
serve it on my files, for future reference if necessary,
if Mr. IngersoU should make an attack on me, as he
distinctly intimates he may do. The letter alluded
to is a gross one, and proves one of two things, viz.,
either that Mr. IngersoU is a man of no sense or prin-
ciple, or both, or [that he] intended when he wrote
it, not only to do me injustice but to insult me. My
only ofifense was that I nominated him to the Sen-
ate as minister to France in good faith & in the hope
that he might be confirmed, but when he was re-
jected by the Senate, within the last hour of the last
night of the Session, I considered it a public duty
not to permit the French mission to remain vacant,
and nominated a successor. The letter of Mr. Inger-
soU to me proves beyond doubt, that he was wholly
unworthy of the confidence which by his nomination
I proposed to place in him. When he entered my
office his manner was embarrassed. I received him
courteously, but very formally, much more so than is
my habit. He said he had come from Phila. ex-
pressly to see me, and to request me as he did, at the
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 461
instance of a number of his constituents, to confer a
brevet on Col. Stanton of the Quarter master's De-
partment. This struck me as a strange errand, and
1 considered it, as I have no doubt it was, the mere
pretext of his visit. 1 answered the questions or en-
quiries which he propounded to me on the subject.
I introduced no other topic. He did, but I confined
myself to laconic responses. He did not allude to
the French Mission, or to his letter to me on the sub-
ject. Had he done so, I was ready to have given
him my mind freely and without reserve. He left,
and on parting I did not shake hands with him, but
bowed to him in a cold and formal manner. Be-
tween I & 2 O'clock P. M. he returned with a per-
son with him whom he introduced to me and whose
name I do not remember. They took seats. There
was company in my office. I addressed no conver-
sation to him, and after sitting for a few minutes he
& the person he had introduced retired. I think
Mr. Ingersoll has acted not only an ungrateful part
in the letter he addressed to me, but has shown that
he is selfish & without principle. I have profound
contempt for him, and shall never have any further
intercourse with him, unless he withdraws his letter
and makes suitable explanations, and then only in the
most guarded manner. On official business I must
of course see him, but it will be in the most formal
manner. At i O'Clock P. M. I opened my office for
the reception of company. Several persons called,
chiefly office seekers, and I did not get clear of them
until near 3 O'Clock P. M. The Secretary of War
called on official business. The Adj't Gen'l (Jones)
462 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [7 April
called and submitted to me a General order which
he had prepared, in substance directing the differ-
ent corps of the army to fire a salute in honour of
Gen'l Taylor for the battle of Buena Vista. I de-
clined to sanction the order because, as far as I was
informed by him, no similar order had ever been
given before, and if given in this case it would be
embarrassing, because if a similar order was not
given in any future battle in which our arms were
successful, the inferrence would be that the Govern-
ment did not properly appreciate their success. I
told him it would be embarrassing. I told him also
that I was rejoiced that the battle of Buena Vista
had resulted as well as it had, and as a citizen I
cheerfully awarded to our brave army the merit that
was due them, but as President I could not depart
from the usual course pursued on such occasions. I
told him no such thing had been done on the occa-
sion of the battle of New Orleans, on the 8th of Jan-
uary, 1815, or on the occasion of the battle of Chip-
pewa, Lundy's Lane, or any other that had been
fought during the last War with Great Brittain.
The truth is the indomitable bravery of our army
saved Gen'l Taylor, and not his good Generalship,
at the battle of Buena Vista. Had that battle been
lost, he would have been condemned by the whole
country for his rashness in violation of his orders in
taking the advanced position he did. Gen'l Jones
retired, having expressed his approbation of the rea-
sons I assigned for declining to authorize the author
[order].
Dr. Green, who married my niece, Miss Walker,
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 463
and his wife, arrived this evening from Virginia,
where they had been on a visit to Dr. Green's father.
They took rooms in the Presidential mansion.
I took a ride on horse-back this evening in com-
pany with Mr. Johnson, the Post Master Gen'l.
To-day Senator Yulee of Florida called in com-
pany with my old friend, Walker Anderson of
Florida. Mr. Yulee expressed his approbation of
the measure recently adopted to levy contributions
on the enemy by the collection of duties in the ports
of Mexico in our military possession. He said the
only doubt he had was as to the power to disburse
the money by the Executive order after it was col-
lected. He had no doubt of the power & the ex-
pediency of levying the contribution in the manner
proposed.
Senator Dix called, and in conversation with him
I understood from him that he approved the meas-
ure. Some of the Federal papers, I see, are attack-
ing it, & among them the New York Courier & En-
quirer. Col. Webb,^ the Editor of that paper, is a
disappointed office seeker. He wished to be Brig-
adier General & I did not think him fit for it, & he
has been recklessly bitter ever since. His partisan
ravings give me no concern.
Thursday, 8th April, Z^^/.— The day passed
without the occurrence of any incident of much in-
terest. Vice President Dallas called in the course of
^ James Watson Webb, 1802-1884, editor and proprietor of the
New York Courier and Enquirer. He wielded a strong influence
in public affairs.
464 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [9 April
the morning. I spent an hour or two with the Sec-
retary of War. At i O'Clock I opened my office
and a number of persons called, some to pay their re-
spects & others to seek office. The latter class I
dispatched without much ceremony, as I had no
offices for them. Mr. Buchanan returned to-day
from his visit to Pennsylvania. He had been ab-
sent about a week. The balance of the day I spent
in disposing of the business on my table. In the
afternoon I took a ride with Mrs. Polk to the
Heights of Georgetown.
Friday, gth April, 1847. — This morning I di-
rected that my office should not be opened for the
reception of visitors until the usual hour, viz., i
O'clock P. M. Cards were, however, sent in to me
before that hour and I was compelled to see several
persons who called. Among them was the Hon.
David Tod, U. S. Minister to Brazil. He informed
me that he had concluded to accept the Mission ; that
he would return to his residence in Ohio, and ex-
pected to be ready to sail about the last of May. At
I O'clock P. M. [my] office was opened for the
reception of visitors generally. A number of per-
sons called, ladies and gentlemen. The visits to-day
were chiefly those of ceremony. The pressure for
office, I am happy to say, has abated considerably
within the last few days. I took a ride on horse-
back this evening in company with the Post Master
General. I disposed of several matters of business
to-day, which had accumulated on my table.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
1847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 465
sons called, ladies and gentlemen. 1 met them in the
parlour.
Saturday, lOth April, 184J. — I received a Tel-
egraphic despatch from the office of the Baltimore
Sun stating that by a special Express who had come
from Pensacola, beating the mail one day, informa-
tion had been received that the City of Vera Cruz
and the castle of San juan de Ulloa had surrendered
on the 27th ultimo to the combined operation of our
land and naval forces, with the loss of only 36 men
on our part. This was joyful news. In about two
hours afterwards a more detailed account of the
capitulation was received, published in the aSmw and
taken from a Pensacola paper. I[t] comes so well
vouched [for] as to leave no doubt of its authenticity.
The Cabinet assembled at the usual hour, all of
the members present. The Secretary of the Treas-
ury returned to his office after remaining but a few
minutes. This was the last day for receiving pro-
posals for the loan for which he had advertised;
many capitalists were in Washington wishing to see
him, & to afiford them that opportunity he asked to
be excused from attending the Cabinet to-day. The
subject of consideration to-day was the Mexican
War. I had several times mentioned to Mr. Bu-
chanan the importance of having a commissioner
vested with Plenipotentiary powers, who should at-
tend the head-quarters of the army ready to take ad-
vantage of circumstances as they might arise to
negotiate for peace. I stated to the Cabinet to-day
that such was my opinion, and that I thought it the
466 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo April
more important since the news of the recent vic-
tories, and especially since the information received
this morning of the fall of Vera Cruz & the Castle
of San juan D'UUoa. All the members of the Cab-
inet present concurred in this opinion. The embar-
rassment in carrying it out consisted in the selection
of a suitable commissioner or commissioners who
would be satisfactory to the country. This was a
great difficulty. Such is the jealousy of the differ-
ent factions of the Democratic party in reference to
the next Presidential Election towards each other
that it is impossible to appoint any prominent man
or men without giving extensive dissatisfaction to
others, and thus jeopardizing the ratification of any
Treaty they might make. In this also the Cabinet
were agreed. I stated that I preferred that the Sec-
retary of State should be the sole commissioner to ne-
gotiate the Treaty, & that I would have no hesitation
in deputing him on that special service if the Mex-
ican authorities had agreed to appoint commission-
ers on their part, but as they had refused to do this
he could not attend the head-quarters of the army
for an indefinite period of time and with no as-
surance whether the Mexican authorities would
agree to negotiate. Mr. Buchanan expressed his en-
tire concurrence in this view. He said he would be
willing to go in person if there was any assurance
that negotiations would be speedily opened, but un-
der existing circumstances & with our present infor-
mation he could not, of course, think of going. Mr.
Buchanan then suggested that Mr. N. P. Trist, the
chief clerk of the Department of State, might be
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 467
deputed secretly with Plenipotentiary powers to the
head-quarters of the army, and that it might be made
known that such a person was with the army ready to
negotiate. Mr. Trist, he said, was an able man, per-
fectly familiar with the Spanish character and lan-
guage, & might go with special and well defined in-
structions. The suggestions struck me favourably.
After much conversation on the subject it was unani-
mously agreed by the Cabinet that it would be proper
to send Mr. Trist, and that he should take with him
a Treaty drawn up by the Secretary of State & ap-
proved by the Cabinet, which he should be author-
ized to tender to the Mexican Government, and to
conclude [a treaty] with them if they would accept
it; but that if they would not accept it, but would
agree to appoint commissioners to negotiate, that
Mr. Trist should in that event report the fact to his
Government, when Mr. Buchanan could go out as
the commissioner. This being agreed upon by the
members of the Cabinet present, & it being desirable,
as it was a very important matter, that every member
of the Cabinet should be consulted, I sent for the
Secretary of the Treasury, who had retired. He
came, & I laid the whole matter fully before him.
He fully concurred in opinion with the other mem-
bers of the Cabinet.
After the consideration of some other matters all
the members of the Cabinet retired except Mr. Bu-
chanan, whom I requested to remain. I sent to the
Department of State for Mr. Trist & in the presence
of Mr. Buchanan I opened the matter fully to him.
He gave his assent to go on the mission. I then
468 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [lo April
charged him to keep the matter a profound secret.
I requested Mr. Buchanan to go to work immedi-
ately & with the least practicable delay to prepare
the project of a Treaty and the necessary instruc-
tions, and in order that it might be kept a profound
secret, I impressed it upon him that no clerk or other
person in his Department should have any knowl-
edge of it. Both Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Trist said
that Mr. Derrick,^ one of the clerks in the Dept. of
State, could render important aid in preparing &
copying the necessary papers. After some hesita-
tion I agreed that he might be so employed, but that
he should be placed under the strictest injunctions of
Secrecy. That he might be so, I requested Mr. Bu-
chanan to send him over to me. Mr. Buchanan &
Mr. Trist retired & in a short time Mr. Derrick
called. I communicated the matter to him &
charged him with secrecy. To give publicity to
such a movement before it was commenced, and to
have the federal papers giving their own version of
it, and, as their habit is, to have them by every means
in their power thwarting the objects of the Govern-
ment by discouraging the enemy to accede to the
measure, would in all human probability be to de-
feat it, & hence the necessity of secrecy.
Col. Totten of the army arrived by the Southern
Boat this evening direct from Vera Cruz, where he
had been during the bombardment of the City and
the Castle. He was the bearer of dispatches from
Gen'l Scott, fully confirming the information re-
^ William S. Derrick, acting Chief Clerk of the Department of
State in 1847.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 469
ceived this morning through the Baltimore Sun of
the surrender of the City and Castle. The Secre-
taries of War & the Navy called & examined the
despatches. It was agreed that they should be
handed to the Editor of the Union for publication.
Sunday, nth April, 1847. — I attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day accompanied by Mrs.
Polk and her niece, Miss Rucker. Divine Service
was performed by the Rev'd Mr. Bacon of the Bap-
tist Church. He preached an excellent sermon.
Mr. Bacon is the President of Columbia College in
this City and is a man of letters. Being much fa-
tigued by my constant public engagements during
the past week, I enjoyed the rest from my labours
which the sabbath enabled me to have. It has be-
come so generally known that I receive no company
on the sabbath that no one now calls on that day.
Monday, 12th April, 184J. — I sent for Col.
Totten, who was the bearer of despatches from Vera
Cruz, and who arrived in this City on Saturday last.
I held a conversation of some length with him, the
object of which was to obtain information from him
from the army. He gave me some valuable infor-
mation which I had not before possessed, in regard
to the localities about Vera Cruz and Gen'l Scott's
probable movements. He gave it as his opinion
that Gen'l Scott would require 15,000 effective men
to enable him to move with safety upon the City of
Vera Cruz [Mexico]. He stated to me that Brig-
adier Generals Pillow & Quitman had both made
4/0 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [12 April
much character with the army by their conduct. I
had an interview with the Secretary of State in re-
lation to his reply to the Mexican Government [to
the despatch] in which they had refused to open
negotiations, a rough copy of which he had sent to
me last night. I suggested one or two modifications
to which he agreed. I had an interview also with
the Secretary of War & the Navy in relation to the
conduct of the war. I sent for the Atto. Gen'l &
consulted him upon a legal question relating to the
construction of the two acts of Congress of the last
session of Congress, of the nth Feb'y & 3rd of
March. The question was whether the volunteers
now in Mexico, who shall re-volunteer for the war,
will be entitled to a second or double land-bounty.
He thought they would be, but preferred to examine
the subject more fully before he gave a definitive
opinion. I took a ride with Judge Mason in his
buggy this evening. He told me that he had under-
stood that Mr. Calhoun had come out for Gen'l Tay-
lor for President. I had heard the same rumour this
morning but could not believe it. If it be true, I
have no hesitation in saying that Mr. Calhoun is
wholly destitute of political principle. Gen'l Tay-
lor is a Whig alias Federalist of the most decided
character. He is a Kentuckian and a devotee of
Mr. Clay, and holds no one of the strict construction
opinions which Mr. Calhoun has heretofore pro-
fessed. If the rumour be true then all Mr. Cal-
houn's loud professions in favour of a strict construc-
tion of the Constitution & of State rights are false.
It was but a few years ago that Mr. Calhoun was
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 471
ready to nullify & dissolve the Union about the
tariff. Now that the tariff has been reduced under
my administration & all has been effected on that
subject which he desired, he is obliged to mount
some other political hobby to keep himself before
the public, and for that purpose some weeks ago se-
lected the slavery question. Finding now that he
cannot gratify his ambition by the agitation of that
question, he now abandons every leading political
principle he has ever professed, and, if the rumour
be true, avows himself for Gen'l Taylor for the Pres-
idency, when Gen'l Taylor is known to be the devo-
tee of Mr. Clay & to entertain opinions directly the
reverse of those heretofore professed by Mr. Cal-
houn. I cannot express the contempt I feel for Mr.
Calhoun for such profligate political [injconsistency.
If I had retained him in my Cabinet & consented to
yield myself up to his control, I might have secured
his support, but not by the support of principle.
I omitted to state that at i O'Clock to-day when I
opened my doors an unusual crowd, male & female,
attended. They occupied my time about an hour.
Tuesday, 13th April, 184J. — At the request of
Mr. Buchanan I summoned the Cabinet to meet at
10 O'clock this morning. All the members attended
shortly after that hour. Mr. Buchanan submitted
for consideration the project of a Treaty with Mex-
ico, which he had prepared in pursuance of the de-
cision of the Cabinet on Saturday last, to be borne
by Mr. Trist to the Head Quarters of the army in
Mexico and to be concluded and signed by him if
472 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [13 April
the Mexican government acceded to it. The bound-
ary proposed in the project was the Rio Grande
from its mouth to the point where it intersects the
Southern boundary of New Mexico, the whole of
the Provinces of New Mexico & Upper and Lower
California to be ceded to the U. States. There was
a stipulation in a seperate article securing to the
U. S. the right of passage and transit from the Gulf
of Mexico & the Pacific Ocean across the istmus of
Tehuantepec. The consideration which Mr. Bu-
chanan in his draft of a Treaty proposed to pay, in
addition to the assumption of the claims of our cit-
izens against Mexico, was $15,000,000, in install-
ments of $3,000,000 per annum. I expressed the
hope that this boundary and concession might be ob-
tained for this or even a less sum, but that I was will-
ing to pay a larger sum for it if it could not be had
for that sum, and that I thought Mr. Trist should
be authorized to give more, if he found that to be
the only obstacle in concluding a treaty. I was will-
ing to make the consideration double that sum ($30,-
000,000) if the cession could not be obtained for a
less sum, rather than fail to make a Treaty. Mr. Bu-
chanan earnestly resisted this & was in favour of
restricting the offer to the $15,000,000. This point
gave rise to much conversation & discussion. I
stated my reasons at some length for being willing to
enlarge the sum to $30,000,000, if the Treaty could
not be had for that sum. Among these reasons were,
first, that the continuance of the War for less than
twelve months would cost more than that sum; and
secondly, that the country ceded to the U. S. would
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY
473
be worth, in the public lands acquired & commer-
cial advantages, more than four fold the $30,000,-
000. The members of the Cabinet expressed their
opinions freely. Mr. Walker attached greater im-
portance to the free passage across the Istmus of
Tehuantepec than to the cession of New Mexico &
the Californias, and if that object could be obtained
he was willing to pay $30,000,000, but without it
he was not. Mr. Buchanan still opposed the en-
largement of the consideration. Finally all the Cab-
inet except Mr. Buchanan yielded to my views, and
it was agreed that Mr. Trist should be furnished
with confidential instructions authorizing him in his
discretion, if the Treaty could not be obtained for a
less sum, to stipulate to pay $30,000,000. It was
further agreed that if the passage across the istmus
of Tehuantepec could not be obtained, the maximum
sum to be paid for the other cessions of the proposed
Treaty should not exceed $25,000,000. It was
agreed, also, that if Lower California could not be
obtained, that then the maximum sum to be paid for
the Rio Grande as a boundary & the cession of New
Mexico & Upper California should not exceed $20,-
000,000. To these several propositions all the Cab-
inet except Mr. Buchanan agreed, and he being
over ruled yielded and said he would modify the
project of ttie Treaty & prepare the instructions ac-
cordingly. I stated, & it was understood by all, that
the several sums mentioned were maximums to which
Mr. Trist might go in the last resort, but that he
would procure the Treaty for as much less a sum as
possible. In the course of the discussion Mr.
474 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [13 April
Walker insisted that the free passage across the istmus
of Tehuantepec should be a sine qua non to the
making of any Treaty. To this I objected & stated
that it constituted no part of the object for which we
had engaged in the War. The balance of the Cab-
inet, though agreeing that it was important, yet con-
curred with me in opinion that it should not be a
sine qua non to the making of a Treaty. Other pro-
visions of the project of the Treaty were considered.
It was then agreed that the Cabinet would meet
again at 7^ O'Clock this evening, and that in the
mean-time Mr. Buchanan should prepare the mod-
ified draft of the Treaty as agreed upon. The Cab-
inet adjourned about 3 O'Clock P. M. About 2
O'clock P. M. it was announced to me that Gen'l
Tom Thumb, a dwarf, who is being exhibited in this
City & who has become quite celebrated by having
been exhibited at all the principal Courts of Europe,
was in the parlour below stairs & desired to see me.
I invited the Cabinet to take a short recess & to walk
down with me, & they did so. We found a number
of ladies & gentlemen in the parlour. Tom Thumb
is a most remarkable person. After spending 20 or
30 minutes in the parlour I returned with the Cab-
inet to my office. At yjA O'Clock P. M. the Cab-
inet re-assembled. Mr. Buchanan read the article
which he proposed relating to the passage across the
istmus of Tehuantepec. It proposed that $5,000,-
000 of the sum proposed to be paid to Mexico should
be retained in our Treasury, and not paid to Mexico
until that Government should have constructed a
canal or a railroad over the istmus. I objected to
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 475
this, because it would be in effect to appropriate from
our Treasury this sum for external improvements,
or improvements in a foreign country, and my opin-
ion was that such a provision would be, or might be,
a serious objection to the ratification of the Treaty by
the Senate. After a full discussion it was agreed to
omit this provision for the application of the $5,000,-
000, and to make a simple provision securing to
the citizens of the U. S. a free passage across the
istmus for ever. Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Walker
dissented, but yielded to the majority. The Cabinet
adjourned about 11 O'Clock P.M.
This was reception evening, but I did not go into
the parlour until after the Cabinet adjourned. I
learn from Mrs. Polk that a large number of per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, had attended. They had
all retired but three or four when I entered the par-
lour. The Secretary of War & the Navy & the Atto.
Gen'l accompanied me to the parlour & remained a
few minutes.
Wednesday, 14th April, 184J. — I was slightly
indisposed to-day. I kept my doors closed until i
O'clock. Before that hour I had interviews with
the Secretaries of War and the Navy on official busi-
ness. It was agreed by the Secretary of War and
myself that it would be necessary to call out 6 or 8
Regiments of Volunteers for the War to supply the
place of the 12 months volunteers now serving in
Mexico, whose term of service would expire in May
and June next. The Secretary of State called two
or three times to consult me in relation to the project
4/6 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [14 April
of a Treaty with Mexico & the instructions to Mr.
Trist, which he was preparing agreeably to the mod-
ifications which were settled upon in Cabinet on yes-
terday. At I O'clock I opened my doors. A num-
ber of persons called & occupied my time for an hour
very unprofitably. After night Mr. Buchanan
called and read to me a letter which he had received
this evening from Moses Beech of the New York
Sun, written in the City of Mexico & dated on the
17th of March last. In his letter Mr. Beech de-
scribes the revolutionary condition of Mexico, but
expresses the opinion that a Treaty may be made
which would be satisfactory to the U. S., & leaves the
inference that he may make such a Treaty. Mr.
Beech was in Washington in November last & had
several interviews with Mr. Buchanan & one with
me. He was then on the eve of leaving for Mexico
on private business, but from his intimacy with Gen-
eral Almonte expressed the opinion that he could
[exert] a favourable influence on him and other
leading men in Mexico, with a view to the restora-
tion of peace. He induced Mr. Buchanan and my-
self to believe that he could do so. Mr. Buchanan
informed him confidentially of the terms on which
we would treat, and it was deemed advisable to con-
stitute him a secret agent to Mexico. He was so con-
stituted ^ accordingly, but was not clothed with any
Diplomatic powers. The object of constituting him
a secret agent was that he might collect & furnish
useful information to his Government. He may
^ The appointment and commission is printed in Moore,
Buchanan, VII, 119.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 477
misconstrue his authority & it may be possible that
he may induce the Mexican rulers, if they are re-
duced to great straits by the pressure of the war, upon
the production to them of the letter of the Secretary
of State making him an agent of the Government, to
make a Treaty with him. It is clearly to be inferred
from his letter that he will make a Treaty with them
if he can. Should he do so, and it is a good one, I
will waive his authority to make it, and submit it to
the Senate for ratification. It will be a good joke if
he should assume the authority and take the whole
country by surprise & make a Treaty. Mr. Bu-
chanan's strong impression is that he may do so. So
little impression did the conversation which I held
with him in November make on my mind, that I be-
lieve I made no note of it in this diary. It seems to
have made a deeper impression on Mr. Buchanan,
for he read to me to-night the substance of the con-
versation which he held with him in November, &
which he had reduced to writing at the time. There
is nothing in the conversation, as thus reduced to
writing, which contemplated that Diplomatic pow-
ers were to be conferred on Mr. Beech,
Thursday, isth April, 184J. — About ii>4
O'clock Mr. Buchanan called and informed me
that the instructions for Mr. Trist, the project of a
Treaty with Mexico, the full power to conclude the
same, and all the papers ^ according to the decision
of the Cabinet were now ready, and that as Mr. Trist
would leave Washington on his Mission on to-mor-
• ^ Moore, Buchanan, VII, 271-279.
478 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [i6 April
row morning, he thought it prudent to have a meet-
ing of the Cabinet that they might be all read over
again. I immediately summoned the Cabinet, all
of w^hom (except the Attorney Gen'l, who is absent
from the City on a visit to Maine, having left on
yesterday) attended in less than an hour. Mr. Bu-
chanan read over all the papers, including the draft
of the Treaty to be offered to the acceptance of Mex-
ico. Some immaterial modifications were made in
the instructions. The Secretaries of War and the
Navy read drafts of orders which they had respec-
tively prepared to the commanders of the land &
Naval forces in Mexico, informing them of Mr.
Trist's mission and requiring them to afford him all
the facilities in their power in accomplishing its ob-
ject. They were also instructed, if a Treaty should
be concluded and ratified by the Mexican Govern-
ment and they were notified of that fact by Mr. Trist,
to suspend hostilities until they received further or-
ders from their Government. I signed Mr. Trists's
letter of appointment as a commissioner, & also his
full powers to conclude a Treaty. The Cabinet ad-
journed about 25^ O'clock. After night Mr. Trist
called and I had a full conversation with him.
Friday, 16th April, 184'/. — Mr. Trist set out on
his mission to the Head Quarters of the army this
morning, with full powers to Treat with the author-
ities of Mexico for peace. His mission has, as far
as I have learned, been kept a profound secret, and
is known only to the Cabinet. I deemed it impor-
tant that it should be so. Had his mission and the
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 479
object of it been proclaimed in advance at Washing-
ton I have no doubt there are persons in Washing-
ton, and among them the Editors of the National In-
telligencer, who would have been ready and willing
to have despatched a courier to Mexico to discour-
age the Government of that weak and distracted
country from entering upon negotiations for peace.
This they would do rather than sufifer my adminis-
tration to have the credit of concluding a just and
honourable peace. The articles in the National In-
telligencer and other federal papers against their
own Government and in favour of the enemy, have
done more to prevent a peace than all the armies of
the enemy. The Mexican papers republish these
treasonable articles & make the ignorant population
of Mexico believe that the Democratic party will
shortly be expelled from power in the U. States, and
that their friends (the Federal alias Whig party)
will come into power. If the war is protracted it is
to be attributed to the treasonable course of the fed-
eral editors & leading men. These Editors and po-
litical leaders are guilty of " moral treason " to their
country, and yet they have recently attempted to steal
the war, which they have opposed and denounced,
and appropriate the success of our arms to them-
selves. They already boldly claim all the credit of
the success of our battles to Gen'l Taylor and are
proclaiming him to be their candidate for the Presi-
dency, when the truth is that Gen'l Taylor has from
the beginning to the end of the War displayed no
generalship. In violation of all prudence & of or-
ders he placed himself at Buena Vista instead of
48o JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [17 April
occupying Monterey as he was expected to do, and
had he been defeated in that battle he would have
been universally execrated. As it is his imprudence
cost the lives of our brave officers & men who fell in
that battle. He is, however, a Whig and the Fed-
eral party will make a hero of him if they can, and
will make a candidate for the Presidency of him if
they shall think him their most available candidate.
They care nothing for political principle. The
Spoils of office are all that they care for.
I communicated to Mr. Ritchie this afternoon the
fact of Mr. Trist's mission & the object of it. I did
this in the strictest confidence, because it was neces-
sary that he should know it in order to shape the
course of his paper in reference to it.
Saturday, I'/th April, 1847. — The Cabinet met
at 1 1 O'clock to-day; all the members present except
the Attorney Gen'l, who is absent from the Seat of
Government on a visit to his residence in the State of
Maine. I brought before the Cabinet the propriety
of calling out about 6,000 more volunteers for the
Mexican War, to take the place of the 12 months vol-
unteers whose term of service will shortly expire.
The Secretary of War & myself had previously con-
ferred upon the subject. The Cabinet agreed that it
was necessary & proper to do so. The Cabinet ad-
journed about 2 O'clock P. M. The Secretary of
War remained & in consultation with him I appor-
tioned the volunteers to be called for among the
States, and directed him to make the requisition ac-
cordingly. I communicated to Mr. Ritchie in strict
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 481
confidence to-night the fact of Mr. Trist's mission
to the Head Quarters of army.
Sunday, i8th April, 1847.— I attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day accompanied by Mrs.
Polk and her niece, Miss Rucker.
Monday, igth April, /^^^ 7.— Nothing of much
interest occurred to-day. The Secretary of the Navy
and several of the subordinate officers called on offi-
cial business. At i O'Clock I opened my doors and
a number of persons called, some of them to pay visits
of ceremony and others seeking offices. The pressure
for office I am happy to say has not been so great for
a few days past as has been usual. I disposed of
much business that was on my table to-day. Indeed
I believe that I have less business on my table re-
maining to be acted on than I have had at any time
for the last year.
Tuesday, 20th April, 1847. — The Cabinet met
at the usual hour to-day, all the members present ex-
cept the Attorney General, who is absent from the
seat of Government on a visit to his residence in
Maine. Several subjects were considered & dis-
posed of, but none of sufficient importance to be
noted. On yesterday official dispatches were re-
ceived from Col. Price, commanding at Sante Fe,
announcing that a battle had been fought and a sig-
nal victory won by the troops under his command
over the enemy. The number of troops engaged was
comparatively small, but I consider this victory one
482 JAMES K. POLK'S DIAHY [21 April
of the most signal which has been gained during the
War. Accounts through the newspapers were re-
ceived on yesterday, containing the Mexican account
of a Victory obtained by Col. Donophan/ com-
manding [the] Missouri Volunteers, over the enemy,
and that he had taken the City of Chihuahua. The
truth is our troops, regulars & volunteers, will ob-
tain victories wherever they meet the enemy. This
[they] would do if they were without officers to
command them higher in rank than Lieutenants.
It is injustice, therefore, to award to the Generals
all the credit. They are entitled to their full share
of credit for their courage and skill, but the sub-
altern officers & privates are entitled to their share
of the credit also. The Cabinet adjourned about
2 O'clock P. M.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, called. I met them with
the family in the parlour.
Wednesday, 21st April, 184J. — My attention
was called this morning to two letters - purporting to
have been written at this City and published in the
New York Herald, in which the writer discloses
with remarkable accuracy & particularity the fact
of the departure of Mr. N. P. Trist, chief clerk in
the Department of State, on a mission to Mexico.
^ Alexander William Doniphan, Colonel of the First Missouri
regiment.
^ New York Herald, April 20, 1847; one letter, signed " Ma-
heeko," is dated Washington, April 17; the other, copied from
the Boston Post, is dated April 15, 1847.
184/] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 483
The statement is so accurate and minute that the
writer must have obtained information on the sub-
ject from some one who was entrusted with the
Secret. It was a profound Cabinet secret, and was
so expressly declared to be by me, and was communi-
cated to no one else but to Mr. Trist himself & to
Mr. Derrick, a clerk in the Department of State.
For a full statement of the importance of keeping it
a secret, see this diary of Saturday the loth Instant.
In disclosing the fact of the mission of Mr. Trist and
its objects, contrary to my solemn injunction, there
has been treachery somewhere. I cannot believe
that any of my Cabinet have betrayed my confidence,
and conclude, in the absence of further information
on the subject, that the disclosure must have been
made by Mr. Derrick, the clerk in the State Depart-
ment recommended By Mr. Buchanan as worthy of
all confidence, and who was employed in preparing
the writing. I have not been more vexed or ex-
cited since I have been President than at this occur-
rence. The Success of Mr. Trist's mission I knew
in the beginning must depend mainly on keeping it
a secret from that portion of the Federal press &
leading men in the country who, since the commence-
ment of the war with Mexico, have been giving " aid
& comfort" to the enemy by their course. I do not
doubt that there are men among them who would
incur the expense of sending a courrier to Mexico,
& incur any other expense, to discourage Mexico
from making a peace, for the purpose of having
the war continued, in the hope that the Democratic
administration might be brought into disrepute by
484 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [21 April
continuing it to a protracted length, and that they
might gain some political advantage in the next Pres-
idential election by it. I do not doubt that Mexico
has been & will be discouraged from making peace,
in the hope that their friends in the U. S. will come
into power at the next Presidential [election]. That
this has been the effect of the unpatriotic & anti-
American course of the National Intelligencer &
other federal papers, all know. Their articles
against their own Government & country are trans-
lated & re-published in the Mexican papers. It was
my knowledge of this that induced my great desire
to keep the mission of Mr. Trist a secret. In the
course of an hour after I read the published letters
in the Herald, Mr. Buchanan called on business.
After it was transacted I called his attention to these
letters. He had no knowledge how or through
whom the matter disclosed in these letters had gained
their way to the public. I told him that I strongly
suspected Mr. Derrick, his Whig clerk in the State
Dept, who he had insisted should be entrusted to
aid in preparing the papers. Mr. Buchanan in-
sisted that Mr. Derrick was perfectly trustworthy
and that the disclosure could not have been made by
him. I told him it must have gone from him or Mr.
Trist, as it was impossible that any member of the
Cabinet, after the solemn injunction of secrecy I had
imposed when the matter was resolved upon, could
have disclosed it. I told Mr. Buchanan that its dis-
closure was a great outrage upon me, and that Mr.
Derrick must explain it & clear himself of it, or I
would turn him out of his office. I told him further
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 485
that I had found that ahnost everything that trans-
pired in the Cabinet got into the newspapers, that 1
had been annoyed no little by it, & that 1 intended
to put an end to it. Mr. Buchanan left, & 1 sent
for the Secretary of War & the Secretary of the
Navy, as Mr. Trist had been entrusted as bearer of
despatches from their Departments to the army and
Navy. I enquired of them if it was possible that
any of the clerks in their Departments could have
arrived at any knowledge of the matter, in prepar-
ing the papers to be sent ofif by Mr. Trist. They
both said that no clerk in either Department could
have had any knowledge upon the subject. They
were both indignant at the disclosure of the facts.
I have no doubt myself that it obtained publicity
through the State Department. I intend to probe
it to the bottom & ascertain the guilty person if
possible.
I opened my doors at i O'Clock P. M. A num-
ber of persons called. Nothing of interest occurred
during the remainder of the day. My Private Sec-
retary, with his wife & Miss Rucker, left this morn-
ing on an excursion for a day or two to Baltimore.
Thursday, 22nd April, 1847. — I spent this day
quietly, attending to various matters of official busi-
ness. The Secretary of State called, & I had a fur-
ther conversation with him In relation to the
disclosure by letter writers from Washington of Mr.
Trist's mission to Mexico. The manner in which
& the agency through whom his mission had become
a matter of publicity was still a mystery. Mr. Bu-
486 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [22 April
chanan still insisted that his clerk, Mr. Derrick, with
whom, he said, he had conversed on the subject, was
an innocent man. (See this Diary of yesterday.)
I repeated to him that there had been bad faith some-
where. Mr. Buchanan, in my conversation with
him on yesterday, remarked that he had his own sus-
picions how the Cabinet secrets obtained publicity.
I did not call upon him at the time for an explana-
tion of the remark, but to-day I did. He declined
to make any explanation, saying that he might in-
volve others. I told him that it was due to me that
he should make known to me any one whom he sus-
pected. He still declined. I then said to him, my
Private Secretary is often in the room when the Cab-
inet is in Session and he is the only person except
the Cabinet who is so, and asked him if he suspected
him. He promptly and with some excitement said
he did not. I remarked to him that Col. Walker
was an honourable man, and as close in keeping any-
thing which ought not to be made public as any
man I ever knew. I told Mr. Buchanan that it
was proper I should inform him that on Saturday
night last I had, in the profoundest confidence, com-
municated to Mr. Ritchie the fact that Mr. Trist
had gone to the Head Quarters of the army, that I
had seen Mr. Ritchie on yesterday & again to-day,
& he assured me solemnly that he had not as much
as alluded to or hinted the matter to any human be-
ing. I expressed to him the opinion also that the
fact must have gotten out through the State De-
partment. When he was retiring I requested him
1847J JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 487
to send his Clerk, Mr. Derrick, over, as I wished
to see him. In a few minutes Mr. Derrick called,
& I expressed to him the indignation I felt at the
disclosure which had been made. He solemnly de-
clared that he had mentioned it to no human being,
and I became satisfied that he had not, or rather I
had no proof that he had done so. I could not,
therefore, upon mere suspicion dismiss him from his
office. I still think as I had told Mr. Buchanan that
the disclosure emanated from some one in the State
Department. I think the alarm is now so great in
that Department that future state secrets connected
with it will hereafter be kept.
I opened my doors at i O'Clock P. M. A num-
ber of Visitors called, most of them seeking office.
I had no offices to confer and disposed of them in
a very summary manner. I took a ride on horse-
back this afternoon accompanied by the Secretary of
War and the Post Master General. I disposed to-
day of much business of minor importance which had
accumulated on my table.
Friday, 23rd April, 1847. — Nothing of interest
occurred to-day. I transacted business with some of
the public officers, and disposed of several matters of
minor importance on my table. I saw company at
I O'clock. But few persons called. The horde of
office-seekers who have infested Washington almost
ever since I have been President, seem to have
learned at last that their importunities [are] of no
avail.
488 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [24 April
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons, ladies & gentlemen, called. I met them in the
parlour.
My Private Secretary, his wife, and Miss Rucker,
returned to-day from an excursion of a day or two
which they had made to Baltimore.
Saturday, 24th April, 184J. — Vice President
Dallas called on me this morning. I showed him
an answer which I had prepared to a most extraor-
dinary letter which I received from Charles J.
IngersoU bearing date on the 25th ultimo. He ap-
proved the answer. I had previously shown him
Mr. Ingersoll's letter. I have delayed for near a
month [answering] Mr. Ps strange letter, not desir-
ing to get into any controversy with him, and suppos-
ing that his own sense of justice and self respect must
ultimately satisfy him of the gross injustice he had
done me. I do not now know that I shall send him
the answer which I have prepared. It might pos-
sibly lead me into a personal controversy with him,
such as the President of the U. S. should not engage
in with any citizen. Whether I send it or not, I
will preserve it, as also the original letter, for future
reference, if there should be any occasion for it. I
nominated Mr. IngersoU as Minister to France at
the last Session of the Senate. The Senate rejected
him on the last night of their Session, and now he
censures me because I did not re-nominate him, or
keep the mission open that he might have another
chance, by a re-nomination at the next Session of
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 489
the Senate. I thought it to be my duty to fill the
mission, and upon Mr. I's rejection I nominated Mr.
Richard Rush of Phila., who was confirmed by the
Senate.
The Cabinet met to-day at the usual hour, all the
members present except the Attorney General, who
is absent on a visit to his residence in Maine. Sev-
eral matters of public business were considered and
disposed of. After all the members of the Cabinet
had retired except Mr. Buchanan & Mr. Mason, 1
read to them Mr. IngersoU's letter to me and the
answer which I had prepared to it. They both
thought it a matter [to be] doubted whether the
President of the U. States should give any answer
to such a letter as he had written to me. Mr. Bu-
chanan said if I would permit it he would take the
letter & the answer I had prepared and after ex-
amining them more carefully would see me again.
He thought if any answer was given it should be a
very short one, simply repelling the statements and
charges made by Mr. IngersoU. I handed to Mr.
Buchanan the letter & the answer I had prepared,
as he had requested me to do.
Sunday, 2Sth April, 1847. — I attended the first
Presbyterian church to-day accompanied by Mrs.
Polk and her niece, Miss Rucker. This was a day
of rest quietly spent as it should be.
Mr. Buchanan sent over this evening his draft of
an answer to Mr. Charles J. IngersoU's letter of the
25th of March ultimo. (See yesterday's Diary).
490 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [26 April
It was much more intemperate and violent than my
own draft. I merely read it without attempting to
give my attention to it to-night.
Monday, 26th April, 184J. — I was occupied to-
day in disposing of the business which daily ac-
cumulates on my table. At i O'Clock P. M. I
opened my doors for the reception of company. An
unusual crowd of persons, male & female, called.
Some were begging money for charitable, or what
they represented to be charitable objects, while the
mass of those who called were seeking office. I am
utterly disgusted with the constant and unceasing
press for office with which I have been annoyed for
more than two years. I had no offices to give and
despatched the crowd one by one with but little cere-
mony.
Tuesday, zyth April, 184J. — This was the regu-
lar day for the meeting of the Cabinet. All the
members attended at the usual hour, except the At-
torney General, who is absent on a visit to his fam-
ily in Maine. Mr. Clifford has not removed his
family to Washington since his appointment as At-
torney General. There was nothing of importance
before the Cabinet, and after being together about
an hour the members retired. I devoted the balance
of the day to the details of business on my table.
Several of the public officers called on business,
which I transacted with them. This being reception
evening a number of persons called, ladies & gentle-
men. I met them in the parlour.
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 491
Wednesday, 28th April, 1847. — At an early
hour to-day the Secretary of War accompanied by
the Adjutant Gen'l of the army called. They had
done so at my request. After much consultation
with them I directed the organization into Brigades
& Divisions of the 10 Regiments of troops authorized
by Congress to be raised to serve during the War.
I also directed the organization into Brigades & Di-
visions [of] the Volunteer forces called out in No-
vember last and during the present month, which
had not heretofore been done. I directed also the
apportionment of these forces to the two columns
commanded by Gen'ls Scott and Taylor. Accord-
ing to this apportionment Gen'l Scott will have with
him something over 20,000 men, and Gen'l Taylor
will have with him something over i2[ooo] men.
The Sante Fe column will be about 2,500 strong.
The 12 months volunteers will return home in the
months of June & July, when their term of service
will expire. I gave directions, also, in regard to
many other details connected with the military serv-
ice. I spent several hours with the Secretary of
War and the Adjutant General. After they left I
revised and copied the answer which I had prepared
to the most extraordinary letter of Charles J. In-
gersoll addressed to me on the 25th of March last
and sent it to the Post Office. Senator Bagby, who
still remains with his family in the City, called to-
day.
Thursday, 2Qth April, 184J. — I gave more at-
tention to my correspondence on yesterday and to-day
492 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [30 April
and wrote more letters than I usually have time to
write in a fortnight. I saw company at i O'Clock.
For an hour my time was very unprofitably occupied
by office-seekers. I am really so much annoyed in
this way that I loathe an office-seeker, and those who
have been here repeatedly on the same business.
How much better and more respectable it would be
if many of this class who call and who appear to
be in good health & constitution, would apply them-
selves to some trade or honest occupation, instead of
spending their time in attempts to get petty offices
whereby they may live off the public without labour.
Nothing worthy of note occurred to-day.
Friday, 30th April, 184J. — I received a Tele-
graphic dispatch from Baltimore before breakfast
this morning, brought to that City by an overland ex-
press, announcing several days later news from Vera
Cruz. The Baltimore Sun which arrived about 11
O'clock contained the detailed information as late
as the 14th Instant inclusive. It is probably [prob-
able] that a general battle may have taken place be-
tween the two armies two or three days after that
time. Santa Anna was reported to be in front of
the American Army with 15,000 troops to resist their
passage from Vera Cruz to Jalapa. I shall await
the result with much anxiety, but have no fears of it.
Our forces are the best troops in the world & will
[would] gain victories over superior forces of the
enemy, if there was not an officer among them.
This proves the injustice of giving all the credit of
our victories to the commanding General and none
i847] JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY 493
to his inferior officers and men. I sent for the Sec-
retary of War and had a consultation with him. He
read to me a despatch which he had prepared to
Gen'l Scott. He brought with him despatches which
had been received at the War Dept. from Brigadier
[General] Kearney in California. They are dupli-
cates of despatches transmitted by Lieut. Emory/
who has not yet arrived at Washington. An unfor-
tunate collision ^ has occurred in California between
Gen'l Kearney & Commodore Stockton, in regard to
precedence in rank. I think Gen'l Kearney was
right. It appears that Lieut. Col. Fremont refused
to obey Gen'l Kearney & obeyed Commodore Stock-
ton & in this he was wrong. I saw Mr. Buchanan
& several other officers to-day on official business.
This was reception evening. A number of per-
sons, ladies and gentlemen, called. Among them
was Miss Adams, the Granddaughter of Mr. John
Quincy Adams, and daughter of his son & Private
Secretary during his Presidency, John Adams, jr.
I note the call of this young lady because it is the
first that has been made by any of the family of Mr.
John Quincy Adams during my Presidency except,
as I understand, a card left by the female members
of the family some months ago. Mr. John Quincy
^William Helmsley Emory, of the Topographical Engineers;
made Major General of Volunteers in 1865 for gallant service in
the Shenandoah Valley campaign; died 1887.
" The trouble between Kearny and Stockton was primarily due
to the indefiniteness of their respective instructions issued from
Washington. For an account of the controversy together with the
documents in the case see Harper, Encyclopaedia of United States
History, V, 221-227.
494 JAMES K. POLK'S DIARY [30 April
Adams has a house in this City, and resides here dur-
ing many months of the year. He with his family
are now residing in this City. I met the company
in the parlour this evening and treated Miss Adams
with marked respect, as it was her first visit. Mrs.
Polk had a slight chill to-day, but attended in the
parlour this evening.
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