Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 1.djvu/271

Rh in advocating the general policy of territorial expansion, were clearly demonstrated. Although self-protection demanded increase of territory toward the South, and sectional interests would seem to render the Slave States the natural enemy of northern extension, yet they were true to the impulses of patriotism. They rose superior to sectional considerations, and were zealous to uphold the honor of the nation, and to defend the title to northern territory.

While fighting the battles of Texas with Mexico, they were ready to fight Great Britain to enforce the title of the United States to Oregon. In this movement Missouri was, perhaps, the most active and ardent factor, and she was warmly sustained by the South and West. The advance guard moved promptly to the front. This advance guard was the same indomitable, picturesque, unique corps of patriots who had won so many victories the conquerors of the wilderness the American pioneers. The great event of planting the American flag permanently on the Pacific ocean, says Mr. Benton, &quot;was not the act of the government, leading the people and protecting them, but like all the other great emigrations and settlements of that race on our continent, it was an act of the people, going forward without government aid or countenance, establishing their possession and compelling the government to follow with its shield and spread it over them. This movement of immigration to Oregon began in 1842, and was greatly increased in 1843. It was the moving cause of the party zeal in the presidential election of 1844.

President Polk came into office March 4, 1845, pledged to assert the American claim to the exclusive possession of Oregon, even if its enforcement should involve war with Great Britain. The matter was speedily brought to the attention of Congress and was made the subject of diplomatic negotiation. From 1820, when Dr. Floyd, of Virginia, had introduced a bill in Congress relative to