Mexican War

On 20 February 1847 a resolution passed by the General Assembly one week earlier that praised the president of the United States for America's action in the Mexican War was "read and laid upon the table." The delegates also requested a quick and honorable end to the fighting. The cause of the Mexican War centered on Texas, which broke away from Mexico in 1836. The United States offered statehood to the independent republic in 1845, a move considered an act of war by the Mexicans. As a result, President James K. Polk sent troops to the border to guard against an invasion. Some historical interpretations fault Mexico for the conflict, while others argue that the United States hoped to provoke Mexican troops into crossing the border in order to spark a war that would gain more land for America. Whatever the reason, Mexican troops did cross the Rio Grande, and war began on 25 April 1846.

In May 1846, President Polk called for 50,000 volunteers to serve in the army, and later that month, Governor William Smith asked Virginians to raise thirty companies. The low numbers and slow response of volunteers delayed the departure of Virginia troops for the Southwest. Several factors contributed to this lack of enthusiasm for military service, including the cost for individual soldiers to journey from their homes to the mustering point at Richmond. The federal government provided only fifty cents per twenty miles of travel. Also, the soldiers were required to furnish their own clothing for the first six months of service. Because of these problems, Governor Smith and the legislators earmarked ten thousand dollars to help the traveling men and provide them with uniforms.

The Virginia soldiers who embarked for the war in 1847 experienced a miserable voyage that included seasickness and lice. This, along with the cost to the state, could provide an explanation for Virginia legislators' request for a quick end to the conflict. The following year, on 2 February 1848, the delegates finally witnessed the "termination of hostilities" with the adoption of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Not only did the Rio Grande River became the southern boundary of Texas through this agreement, but the United States also paid Mexico fifteen million dollars for a large portion of what is today the western United States.