The Mexican War and Lincoln's 'Spot Resolutions'

On May 11, 1846, President James Polk reported to Congress that Mexico had invaded U.S. territory and that American blood had been shed on American soil. Two days later Congress declared war. The Whig opposition insisted that President Polk, a Democrat, provide evidence to support his claims about an invasion of U.S. territory. On December 22, 1847, Rep. Abraham Lincoln introduced what has come to be known as the “Spot Resolutions,” requesting President Polk to submit evidence to Congress that the land on which the initial battle occurred was indeed American property. On January 3, 1848, the House of Representatives passed an amendment stating that the Mexican War had been “unnecessarily and unconstitutionally” begun. Lincoln voted for this censure language. In subsequent public addresses, Polk took care to concede that the land on which the battle took place was disputed territory.