The point of the message was to address "The grievous wrongs perpetrated by Mexico upon our citizens throughout a long period of years". The Americans were attempting to peacefully negotiate with the Mexican Government, but to no avail. The land disputes of the Rio Grande were growing and the Mexican Government was attempting to try and get rid of the Americans settling in the land that the Mexicans believed they already did. Trade with Mexico was virtually non-existent, and while the US had "[exerted] our best efforts to propitiate her good will", the relationship between the two countries was souring. Mexico was threatening to declare war on the United States if the U.S. annexed Texas, and volunteer soldiers, some under the command of future president Zachary Taylor, were being sent to Texas to defend American interests. After Texas was incorporated into the Union, Taylor was sent down to defend the new state from a Mexican invasion. At the end of the Message Taylor states that "As war exists, and, notwithstanding all our efforts to avoid it, exists by the act of Mexico herself, we are called upon by every consideration of duty and patriotism to vindicate with decision the honor, the rights, and the interests of our country". This means that Polk does not want war but he is willing to fight to protect American interests, and will not hesitate to defend the growing country.
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