The War between the United States and Mexico arose from various subjects of just complaint on the part of the United States against Mexico. I have traced these complaints in the Presidential Messages of Monroe, John Quincy Adams, General Jackson, and Martin Van Buren, and have been struck with the forbearance which the American Government exercised towards their weaker foe; chiefly in consideration of the disturbed state of the internal policy of the newly organized and perplexed Republic.

The subjects of complaint were these:—

Piracies against American citizens.

Delays in arranging Commercial Treaties.

Some feelings of distrust on the part of the Mexicans, so long ago as 1829, of the then American Minister in Mexico.

Errors in regard to claims upon Territorial lands. Excessive, vexatious, and causeless delays in the arrangement of the Boundary Line, and disputes in consequence of these delays.

The seizure of American ships and property in Mexico; the claims having been adjusted by Commissioners; they were made payable by instalments, one of which only has been paid.

All these were points in dispute before the Annexation of the Texas, having been commented upon for twenty years at least, by successive Presidents.