Mexican Republic in
our possession in repelling the attacks of savages upon the inhabitants
who have maintained their neutrality in the war. But, unfortunately, we
can not at the present time, without serious danger, withdraw our forces
from other portions of the Mexican territory now in our occupation and
send them to Yucatan. All that can be done under existing circumstances
is to employ our naval forces in the Gulf not required at other points
to afford them relief; but it is not to be expected that any adequate
protection can thus be afforded, as the operations of such naval forces
must of necessity be confined to the coast.

I have considered it proper to communicate the information contained in
the accompanying correspondence, and I submit to the wisdom of Congress
to adopt such measures as in their judgment may be expedient to prevent
Yucatan from becoming a colony of any European power, which in no event
could be permitted by the United States, and at the same time to rescue
the white race from extermination or expulsion from their country.

JAMES K. POLK.

WASHINGTON, _May 5, 1848_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I communicate herewith a report from the Secretary of State, together
with the correspondence "between the Secretary of State and Don Justo
Sierra, the representative of Yucatan," called for by the resolution of
the Senate of the 4th instant.

I communicate also additional documents relating to the same subject.

JAMES K. POLK.

WASHINGTON, _May 8, 1848_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I communicate herewith a report of the Secretary of War, together with
the accompanying documents, in compliance with the resolution of the
Senate of the 25th April, requesting the President to cause to be sent
to the Senate a copy of the opinion of the Attorney-General, with copies
of the accompanying papers, on the claim made by the Choctaw Indians for
$5,000, with interest thereon from the date of the transfer, being the
difference between the cost of the stock and the par value thereof
transferred to them by the Chickasaws under the convention of the 17th
of January, 1837.

JAMES K. POLK.

WASHINGTON, _May 9, 1848_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 8th instant, requesting
further information in relation to the condition of Yucatan, I transmit
herewith a report of the Secretary of the Navy, with the accompanying
co