On May 8 Polk was briefed by John Slidell and secretary of state Buchanan on the former?s failed mission to Mexico.
FRIDAY, 8th May, 1846.--Saw company until 12 O'Clock to-day. Among others the Hon. John Slidell, late U. S. Minister to Mexico, called in company with the Secretary of State. Mr. Buchanan retired after a few minutes, and Mr. Slidell remained about an hour in conversation concerning his mission and the state of our relations with Mexico. Mr. Slidell's opinion was that but one course towards Mexico was left to the U. S. and that was to take the redress of the wrongs and injuries which we had so long borne from Mexico into our own hands, and to act with promptness and energy. In this I agreed with him, and told him it was only a matter of time when I would make a communication to Congress on the subject, and that I had made up my mind to do so very soon.
