The state of our relations with Mexico is still in an unsettled condition.  Since the meeting of Congress another revolution has taken place in that country, by which the Government has passed into the hands of new rulers.  This event has procrastinated, and may possibly defeat, the settlement of the differences between the United States and that country.  The minister of the United States to Mexico at the date of the last advices had not been received by the existing authorities.  Demonstrations of a character hostile to the United States continue to be made in Mexico, which has rendered it proper, in my judgment, to keep nearly two-thirds of our Army on our southwestern frontier.  In doing this many of the regular military posts have been reduced to a small force inadequate to their defense should an emergency arise.

In view of these “circumstances,” it is my “judgment” that “an increase of our naval and military force is at this time required” to place the country in a suitable state of defense.  At the same time, it is my settled purpose to pursue such a course of policy as may be best calculated to preserve both with Great Britain and Mexico an honorable peace, which nothing will so effectually promote as unanimity in our councils and a firm maintenance of all our just rights.

JAMES K. POLK.

WASHINGTON, April 1, 1846.

To the House of Representatives of the United States: 

I transmit herewith a letter received from the governor of the State of Ohio in answer to a communication addressed to him in compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of January 30, 1846, “requesting the President of the United States to apply to the governor of the State of Ohio for information in regard to the present condition of the Columbus and Sandusky turnpike road; whether the said road is kept in such a state of repair as will enable the Federal Government to realize in case of need the advantages contemplated by the act of Congress approved March 3, 1827.”

JAMES K. POLK.

WASHINGTON, April 1, 1846.

To the Senate of the United States: 

In compliance with the request of a delegation of the Tonawanda band of the Seneca Indians now in this city, I herewith transmit, for your consideration, a memorial addressed to the President and the Senate in relation to the treaty of January 15, 1838, with the “Six Nations of New York Indians,” and that of May 20, 1842, with the “Seneca Nation of Indians’”

JAMES K. POLK.

WASHINGTON, April 3, 1846.

To the Senate of the United States: 

I transmit herewith a report from the Acting Secretary of State, with accompanying papers, in answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 23d ultimo, requesting the President to communicate to that body, “if not incompatible with public interests, any correspondence which took place between the Government of the United States and that of Great Britain on the subject of the northeastern boundary between the 20th of June, 1840, and the 4th of March, 1841.”