Note 26 — IX THE UNITED STATES MEETS THE CRISIS May—July, 1846

Scott, a Whig, testified that Polk was “in great alarm” (Coleman, Crittenden, i, 244). 256Marcy privately called the state of things “adverse” (to Wetmore). Holmes of South Carolina said the administration was prostrated (210to Hammond, May 10). Charleston Mercury, May 19: At the first symptom of actual fighting our government is taken all aback. Had Polk sent Taylor to the Rio Grande to bring on a war, he would have been rejoicing.