Catechism of the Mexican War.

Item #81311

[Mexican-American War]: Catechism of the Mexican War.Compiled by a Farmer [caption title]. New York: Published and sold by William Harned, [ca. 1846]. 12pp. 12mo. Original self-wrappers, stitched as issued. Foxed and a bit creased. Very good. A very rare, anonymously-authored pamphlet printed near the start of the Mexican-American War, laying the groundwork for the grievances between the two nations, skewering President James K. Polk for his inconsistent and warmongering attitudes towards Texas and Mexico, and laying the blame for the conflict squarely at Polk's feet. Unlike many anonymous political pamphlets, the author of this work does not launch immediately into colorful invective or biting satire: instead, he presents his argument as a Catechism, steadily building the evidence for Polk's shortcomings. It begins by seemingly addressing both sides of the issue: "QUESTION. Has Mexico been guilty of pursuing a system of insult and spoliation towards our citizens? "ANSWER. 'Scarcely had Mexico achieved her independence, which the United States were the first among the nations to acknowledge, when she commenced the system of insult and spoliation, which she has ever since pursued. Our citizens engaged in lawful commerce were imprisoned, their vessels seized, and our flag insulted in her ports.' - Polk's late Annual Message. "Q. In the meantime, have citizens of the United States been guilty of any spoliations on Mexico? "A. 'Nothing is either more true or more extensively known, than that Texas was wrested from Mexico, and her independence established through the instrumentality of citizens of the United States. Equally true is it that this was done not only against the wishes, but in direct contravention of the best efforts of our Government to prevent our citizens from engaging in the enterprise.' - Mr. Van Buren's Letter to Mr. Hammet, April 20, 1844." The text goes on to quote extensively from Polk's annual message, Van Buren's letters, and various other documents from leading figures on both sides. The reader is led carefully through Polk's mishandling and aggravation of the Texas and Mexico issues, and particularly to the injustice and foolhardiness of annexation. The questions gradually become more pointed and Polk's answers more damning, until the pamphlet ultimately declares that.

Price: $1,750.00