Letter Opposing the Mexican War

Transcription

1 Letter Opposing the Mexican War 1846 Dear U.S. Representative Abraham Lincoln: Some recent developments have caused me a great amount of alarm and distress. I refer to our country s dispute with Mexico, which has led the United States to the brink of war with this country. I am writing to persuade you to take action in Congress against such a war. I fear that President Polk is determined to grab as much land as possible to further the westward expansion of the United States. To achieve this end, he annexed Texas against Mexico s protests. Then he attempted to purchase Texas, California, and New Mexico for $25 million from Mexico. After Mexico refused this offer, Polk used the Texas land dispute to irritate Mexico. I am convinced that the sole purpose of this dispute is to start a war. Confident of victory, Polk sees such a war as a way to gain the land he desires. What is the purpose for this aggressive land grabbing? Of course, one obvious reason is the economic value of the land. However, I also suspect something else. Much of the land that Polk seeks would become part of the southern United States. As a result, the area would become slave territory and further strengthen the horrible institution of slavery in the United States. As I am sure you realize, Mr. Lincoln, this is unacceptable. Supporters of the war may point out that Mexico recently attacked the U.S. cavalry near the Rio Grande. Soon thereafter newspapers printed Polk s this border is the Nueces. History supports Mexico s claim. The traditional boundary has always been the Nueces River. So, if anything, Mexico has more right to the disputed land than the United States. In any event, this territory can hardly be viewed as American soil. 1

2 implies that this expansion is somehow preordained by God or fate. But what I see is the American people making their own destiny, and if some country gets in their way, they just push it aside or ignore it. For example, during the late 1830s, Americans forged a trail that wound about 2,000 miles into Oregon territory, land claimed by Britain. However, that claim did not prevent American settlers from moving there. Such blatant self-determination is not a just cause for a war. If countries, such as Mexico, cannot be convinced to sell their land out West, then they should not be forced to surrender this land through war. So I ask you Mr. Lincoln to take a stand against a war that would be unjust, strengthen slavery, and result in the bloodshed of many. Such a stand is vital to uphold the integrity of the United States and to maintain healthy relations with Mexico. I am confident that you will sympathize with my viewpoint. Sincerely, James Tobias 2

3 Letter Opposing the Mexican War Organization A persuasive composition has three basic parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction creates interest and states a position. The body provides the argument for your position. It also contains any objections, or counterarguments, that others have raised. The conclusion summarizes the information and makes a strong appeal. Letter Opposing the Mexican War 1846 Dear U.S. Representative Abraham Lincoln: introduction Some recent developments have caused me a great amount of alarm and distress. I refer to our country s dispute with Mexico, which has led the United States to the brink of war with this country. I am writing to persuade you to take action in Congress against such a war. creates interest position I fear that President Polk is determined to grab as much land as possible to further the westward expansion of the United States. To achieve this end, he annexed Texas against Mexico s protests. Then he attempted to purchase Texas, California, and New Mexico for $25 million from Mexico. After Mexico refused this offer, Polk used the Texas land dispute to irritate Mexico. I am convinced that the sole purpose of this dispute is to start a war. Confident of victory, Polk sees such a war as a way to gain the land he desires. argument body What is the purpose for this aggressive land grabbing? Of course, one obvious reason is the economic value of the land. However, I also suspect something else. Much of the land that Polk seeks would become part of the southern United States. As a result, the area would become slave territory and further strengthen the horrible institution of slavery in the United States. As I am sure you realize, Mr. Lincoln, this is unacceptable. Supporters of the war may point out that Mexico recently attacked the U.S. cavalry near the Rio Grande. Soon thereafter newspapers printed Polk s declaration: Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, 3

4 has invaded our territory, and shed American blood on American soil. But let us look at this invasion in more detail. Where did it take place? The attack happened in the disputed territory between the Rio Grande and the Nueces River, a region that consists of thousands of miles. The United States claims that the southwestern border of Texas is the Rio Grande; Mexico claims that this border is the Nueces. History supports Mexico s claim. The traditional boundary has always been the Nueces River. So, if anything, Mexico has more right to the disputed land than the United States. In any event, this territory can hardly be viewed as American soil. argument conclusion body miles into Oregon territory, land claimed by Britain. However, that claim did not prevent American settlers from moving there. Such blatant self-determination is not a just cause for a war. If countries, such as Mexico, cannot be convinced to sell their land out West, then they should not be forced to surrender this land through war. So I ask you Mr. Lincoln to take a stand against a war that would be unjust, strengthen slavery, and result in the bloodshed of many. Such a stand is vital to uphold the integrity of the United States and to maintain healthy relations with Mexico. I am confident that you will sympathize with my viewpoint. summarizes and makes a final appeal Sincerely, James Tobias 4

5 Facts and Opinions A is a statement that can be proved. An opinion is a belief of the writer or speaker. It is important to remember that opinions make your position clear, while s support your position. Supporters of the war may point out that Mexico recently attacked the U.S. cavalry near the Rio Grande. Soon thereafter newspapers printed Polk s this border is the Nueces. History supports Mexico s claim. The traditional boundary has always been the Nueces River. So, if anything, Mexico has more right to the disputed land than the United States. In any event, this territory can hardly be viewed as American soil. miles into Oregon territory, land claimed by Britain. However, that claim did not prevent American settlers from moving there. opinion opinion 5

6 Types of Evidence Persuasive compositions can be supported by many different types of evidence, including statistics, examples, observations, anecdotes, and quotations. Statistics are s stated in numbers. Examples are specific instances that explain your point. Observations are events or situations that you yourself have seen. Anecdotes are brief stories that illustrate your point, and quotations are direct statements from people. Sometimes types of evidence can be combined. For instance, anecdotes and quotations can be used as examples. Supporters of the war may point out that Mexico recently attacked the U.S. cavalry near the Rio Grande. Soon thereafter newspapers printed Polk s this border is the Nueces. observation quotation statistic observation miles into Oregon territory, land claimed by Britain. However, that claim did not prevent American settlers from moving there. anecdote (used as an example) quotation (used as an example) example statistic 6

7 Counterarguments Counterarguments are any objections that others might have to your cause or viewpoint. By addressing possible counterarguments, you can strengthen the persuasiveness of your composition. Supporters of the war may point out that Mexico recently attacked the U.S. cavalry near the Rio Grande. Soon thereafter newspapers printed Polk s this border is the Nueces. History supports Mexico s claim. The traditional boundary has always been the Nueces River. So, if anything, Mexico has more right to the disputed land than the United States. In any event, this territory can hardly be viewed as American soil. miles into Oregon territory, land claimed by Britain. However, that claim did not prevent American settlers from moving there. counterargument counterargument 7