"Prose of Polk"

Born in Mecklenburg in 1795

He graduated with honors and became a political guy.

A friend of Andrew Jackson when in Tennesee Legislature,

He left the House of Reps. to be the state's Governor.

In 1844 in the presidential election

The people jeered, "Who is this man running for the Democrat section?"

He won the election o'er Van Buren and Clay.

He wanted expansion; "Manifest Destiny!" he claimed.

Annex Texas, occupy Oregon, chanced war with Mexico, argued with Brittain.

A compromise at the 49th parallel made peace with Brittain, and that was settled.

Mexicos Government rejected money- 20 million in dollars to be exact-

So Polk sent down Taylor to take control and military forces had to act.

War was declared and battles won, but Mexico's cecession came with a sum.

For 15 million Polk won the land bordering on the Rio Grande.

Out to the Atlantic blue our nation stretched, our landmass grew.

James K. Polk, the first "Dark Horse"

More than doubled our size, then retired.

His health was then shaky from hard work and stress,

And in June of 1849 this President took his final breath.