Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 20.pdf/225

 THE FEDERAL RELATIONS

OF OREGON

215

of the Senators toward the end of March and in Polk over the Mexican situation. He broached talked April the possibility of purchasing New Mexico and California to Allen, Benton and Calhoun, and of the latter asked if it might not be possible to secure from Congress an appropriation, such

With some

had been given to Jefferson in 1806, so that steps to this end might be taken. 39 Calhoun cautioned patience and advised a settlement of the Oregon Question before anything was After having thought the matter over a tried with Mexico. few days Calhoun said that although he approved the object he believed it was inexpedient to bring it before Congress at the time. Polk said nothing" more about it for time, until it was evident that the notice would be passed in a conciliatory form. Then, on April eighteenth, he spoke of it again to Calhoun he believed strong measures would have to be taken with Mexico. Calhoun, however, again cautioned the Presias



dent against a hasty course there were, he said, in Washington ministers of several foreign countries who had satisfied him of their desire to act as the common friend of both parties

in the

Oregon matter, and

this question

should be settled before

there was

There

any thought of pressing the claims against Mexico. can be little doubt that Polk was sure, as soon as the

government learned of the passage of the notice, that an offer on substantially the same lines McLane had been urging upon Aberdeen, with his own tacit permission, would come. Such an offer Polk had hinted he would submit to the Senate. Consequently he could have little doubted the peaceful concluBritish

sion of the

he received

Taylor to

Oregon controversy when, on the ninth of May, General Ampudia had ordered

official notice that

retire

with his forces behind the Nueces.

therefore, no hesitation in sending his

He

had,

famous Mexican Mes-

sage to Congress.

The Message fell upon willing ears. The war spirit which had been so carefully fostered ever since the opening of the campaign in 1844 responded nobly to the challenge and legislative action necessary to provide forces for a Mexican war fitted easily upon the steps already taken to pre-

presidential