One page bifolium (10 x 8 in.; 255 x 203 mm), [Washington], 14 May 1847, giving Marcy instructions regarding a joint resolution of Congress to be sent to General Zachary Taylor and his officers and troops; a few very small marginal tears and fold separations. — One page on blue ruled paper (9 5/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 245 x 198 mm), [Washington], 27 December 1848, requesting information from Marcy in order to finish a response to a resolution put forth by the House of Representatives.

Sotheby's New York, 21 June 2007, lot 71

One page bifolium (10 x 8 in.; 255 x 203 mm), [Washington], 14 May 1847, giving Marcy instructions regarding a joint resolution of Congress to be sent to General Zachary Taylor and his officers and troops; a few very small marginal tears and fold separations. — One page on blue ruled paper (9 5/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 245 x 198 mm), [Washington], 27 December 1848, requesting information from Marcy in order to finish a response to a resolution put forth by the House of Representatives.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Polk in the midst of the Mexican War. In the first letter Polk writes to Secretary of War William Marcy: "I have to request that you will cause the accompanying letters — and authenticated copies of the joint resolution of Congress 'giving the thanks of Congress — to Major General Taylor; and the officers and men under his command in the the late military operations at Monterey'; be enveloped and addressed respectively to those officers. — When enveloped return them to me, that I may place my frank upon them, before they are placed in the mail." Taylor won a significant victory at the Battle of Monterey on 24 September 1846. Polk was a successful one-term president, negotiating with Britain to divide the disputed Northwest, (adding Idaho, Washington and Oregon to the Union), and, through victory in the Mexican War and subsequent purchases, adding 1.2 million square miles of the American Southwest. However, these significant territorial gains resurrected the question of whether slavery would be allowed in federal territories. The contentious debates in Congress, and throughout the nation, would lead eventually to Civil War.