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
declaration: “Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, 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.”
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Persuasive Writing: In Defense of an Important Cause
1
A war with Mexico is also being supported by a popular idea nowadays
called “Manifest Destiny.” Many Americans believe that the destiny of the
United States is to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean. In fact, a grocery
clerk in my town recently told me, “In a few years you’ll see the United
States stretching from sea to sea. It’s meant to be.” Such terminology 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
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Persuasive Writing: In Defense of an Important Cause
2
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
introduction
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
creates
interest
position
persuade you to take action in Congress against such a war.
I fear that President Polk is determined to grab as much land as
argument
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
body
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 declaration: “Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States,
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Persuasive Writing: In Defense of an Important Cause
3
Letter Opposing the Mexican War (continued)
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?
argument
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.”
A war with Mexico is also being supported by a popular idea nowadays
body
called “Manifest Destiny.” Many Americans believe that the destiny of the
United States is to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean. In fact, a grocery
clerk in my town recently told me, “In a few years you’ll see the United
States stretching from sea to sea. It’s meant to be.” Such terminology
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.
conclusion
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
summarizes
and makes
a final
appeal
healthy relations with Mexico. I am confident that you will sympathize with
my viewpoint.
Sincerely,
James Tobias
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
Persuasive Writing: In Defense of an Important Cause
4
Letter Opposing the Mexican War (continued)
Facts and Opinions
A fact 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
facts support your position.
Supporters of the war may point out that Mexico recently attacked the U.S.
fact
cavalry near the Rio Grande. Soon thereafter newspapers printed Polk’s
declaration: “Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, 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
fact
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
opinion
more right to the disputed land than the United States. In any event, this
territory can hardly be viewed as “American soil.”
A war with Mexico is also being supported by a popular idea nowadays
fact
called “Manifest Destiny.” Many Americans believe that the destiny of the
United States is to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean. In fact, a grocery
clerk in my town recently told me, “In a few years you’ll see the United
States stretching from sea to sea. It’s meant to be.” Such terminology
opinion
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
fact
miles into Oregon territory, land claimed by Britain. However, that claim did
not prevent American settlers from moving there.
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Persuasive Writing: In Defense of an Important Cause
5
Letter Opposing the Mexican War (continued)
Types of Evidence
Persuasive compositions can be supported by many different types of evidence,
including statistics, examples, observations, anecdotes, and quotations. Statistics
are facts 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
observation
declaration: “Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has
invaded our territory, and shed American blood on American soil.” But let
quotation
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.
A war with Mexico is also being supported by a popular idea nowadays
called “Manifest Destiny.” Many Americans believe that the destiny of the
United States is to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean. In fact, a grocery
statistic
observation
anecdote
(used
as an
example)
clerk in my town recently told me, “In a few years you’ll see the United
States stretching from sea to sea. It’s meant to be.” Such terminology
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
quotation
(used
as an
example)
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
example
miles into Oregon territory, land claimed by Britain. However, that claim did
not prevent American settlers from moving there.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
Persuasive Writing: In Defense of an Important Cause
statistic
6
Letter Opposing the Mexican War (continued)
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.
counterargument
cavalry near the Rio Grande. Soon thereafter newspapers printed Polk’s
declaration: “Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, 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.”
A war with Mexico is also being supported by a popular idea nowadays
counterargument
called “Manifest Destiny.” Many Americans believe that the destiny of the
United States is to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean. In fact, a grocery
clerk in my town recently told me, “In a few years you’ll see the United
States stretching from sea to sea. It’s meant to be.” Such terminology
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.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
Persuasive Writing: In Defense of an Important Cause
7