ADMINISTRATIONS FROM TYLER TO LINCOLN. 1. Polk's Administration.- James K. Polk was in augurated as President on the 4th of March, 1845. On the Fourth of July succeeding, Texas became one of the United States, her legislature having approved the "annexation bill" passed by Congress. This led to a war with Mexico, as she had not acknowledged the independence of her revolted province. 2. War with Mexico.-Hos JAMES KNOX POLK. the San Jacinto, Houston was strengthened by the arrival of two fieldpieces. He turned like a lion upon the unexpectant Mexicans, whom he caught in the very act of crossing the river. He fired grapeshot into their quaking ranks. His unconquerable Texans clubbed their muskets-they had no bayonets-and rushed upon the foe. The Mexicans fled in helpless rout, and Texas was free. The grateful Texans elected General Houston president of the republic which he had thus saved."-Robert Mackenzie. * James K. Polk was born in North Carolina in 1795. He was a representative in Congress from Tennessee for fourteen years, and was Speaker of the House three terms. He died in Tennessee in 1849. Text Questions.-1. Who succeeded Tyler? Date of inauguration? When and how did Texas become a state? What did this lead to? Why? tilities commenced in 1846, near the Rio Grande (re'-o grahn'-da), to which General Taylor had been sent to protect the new state from a threatened in vasion by the Mexicans. The latter made an attack upon a party of American dragoons sent to reconnoiter, and crossed the Rio Grande apparently to move against Taylor's base of supplies at Point Isabel.* 3. Taylor's Campaign. - This led to two engagements, at Palo Alto (pah'-lo ahl'-to) and Resaca de la Pal SEAL OF TEXAS. ma (ra-sah'-kah da lah *The United States, by the annexation of Texas, claimed the Rio Grande as their boundary, while Mexico alleged that the western limits of the province never extended beyond the Nueces River. The crossing of the latter river into the disputed territory by Taylor, was, therefore, considered by the Mexicans as the commencement of active war, and they consequently made the attack. This was a city of ten thousand inhabitants, situated about one hundred and fifty miles west of the Rio Grande. It was surrounded with mountains, 2. When and where did hostilities commence? How? 3. What battles were fought in May? With what result? What places were subsequently captured? With what force? Map Questions.-Where is Vera Cruz? Matamoras? Jalapa? Puebla? Saltillo? Leavenworth? San Francisco? Into what body of water does the Rio Grande flow? In what direction is Santa Fe from Leavenworth? Saltillo from Matamoras? City of Mexico from Jalapa? 4. Battle of Buena Vista.-Taylor's last engagement in Mexico was the battle of Buena Vista (bwa'-nah vees'-tah) (23d of February, 1847). At this place, his small force of less than five thousand men, was attacked by Santa Anna with an army of nearly four times that number of men; but after a determined contest, which lasted from morning till night, the Mexicans were driven in disorder from the field.* 5, Conquest of New Mexico and California.-In the mean time, General Kearny (kar'-ne) had marched with a force into New Mexico, and taken possession of that province; while Captain Fremont had entered California, and defeated the Mexicans in several skirmishes. The conquest of California was completed in 1847 by means of the American fleet under Commodores Slote and Stockton, assisted by Fremont and General Kearny. 6. Scott's Expedition.-In order to conquer a peace, the authorities in Washington had decided to send. JOHN C. FREMONT. and was strongly fortified, besides being garrisoned by an army of ten thousand men. In spite of the heavy fire of the cannon and musketry from the Mexicans, the Americans carried all the outworks successively, and at last got into the town, where, as the fire of the Mexicans swept the open streets, they cut their way through the walls of the houses. When they were within a short distance of the Grand Plaza, the city was surrendered. The Mexicans lost a thousand men; while the loss of the Americans in killed and wounded was less than one-half that number. *Santa Anna had been made Dictator, and was the commander-in-chief of the Mexican army. He had been so sure of victory, that he sent his cavalry to intercept the retreat of the Americans. The American general, summoned to surrender, replied, "General Taylor never surrenders." In the midst of this dreadful battle he remained perfectly cool, calling out to his artillery officer at one time, "A little more grape, Captain Bragg!" The battle of Buena Vista entirely broke up Santa Anna's splendid army of twenty thousand men. 4. Account of the battle of Buena Vista? 5. What province was conquered by Kearny? What was invaded by Fremont? How was the conquest of California completed? 6. What expedition was planned at Washington? Who was placed in command? an expedition to take possession of the Mexican capital; and General Scott was chosen to command it. To strengthen the force given him for this purpose, a large number of Taylor's best troops were withdrawn. This it was that weakened that officer's army so greatly before the battle of Buena Vista. 7. Taking of Vera Cruz.-Scott landed his army near the city of Vera Cruz, which was defended by a powerful fortress. On the 22d of March, 1847, he opened a tremendous fire upon both city and fortress; and on the 27th both were compelled to surrender. On the 8th of April following, he commenced his march in GENERAL SCOTT. to the interior. 8. Battle of Cerro Gordo.-At the moun- San Juan del Bio icans, about twelve thou-MEXICO Ayotla invading army. The others assailed the fortifications in the rear. a complete victory. The Mexicans fled in Santa Anna narrowly escaped capture.* The result was confusion, and *So hurried was the flight of the Mexicans, that Santa Anna was obliged, it was said, to leave behind him his wooden leg. 7. Account of the taking of Vera Cruz? 8. Of the battle of Cerro Gordo? |