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Henley, Thomas J : The War with Mexico. Speech of Hon. Thomas J. Henley, of Indiana, in the House of Representatives, January 26, 1848

Printed at the Congressional Globe Office, Washington, D.C.

Original publisher's beige paper wrappers. Text printed in black ink. No date, circa 1848. 5 3/4" x 9." Eight pages, complete. Pages are very clean and intact overall except for light age toning, moderate foxing, and some chipping along spine. A Very Good copy. A speech originally delivered before the United States House of Representatives on January 26, 1848 by Thomas J. Henley (1808-1875), an American lawyer and politician. He served as a U.S. Representative from Indiana from 1843-1849. He was a Democrat. Part of Henley's speech is recounted in the third person. In the first part of his speech, Henley states he does not want to address the contentions between North and South but openly criticizes the Whigs and says they are now controlled by the abolitionists. He argues that while slavery is an evil, it is protected by the "sacred mantle" of the Constitution and continues that he will "not disturb it." Henley is supportive of the Mexican-American War and opposes the Whigs and the bygone Federalist Party, in part, for their anti-war stance. He appears to mock the changing agendas and alliances of both the Whigs and bygone Federalists. He argues that a "Democratic" cause of the Mexican-American War is the conquest of land. Much of his speech tries to justify the war with the supposition that the U.S. had a right to take land from Mexico. He notes (but appears to dismiss) seven other causes of the war, namely, the annexation of Texas, sending a minister (possibly referring to John Slidell) instead of a commissioner to negotiate with Mexico over the Rio Grande boundary proposition, the movement of U.S. troops to the Rio Grande, not sending enough troops to the Rio Grande, sending the U.S. Navy to the Gulf of Mexico, President James K. Polk wanting to cause the war to secure reelection, and the South wanting to extend slavery.. Book. Book Condition: Very Good. Binding: Soft cover

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