1844.
Feb. 28—A large cannon on board the war steamer Princeton, bursts while the President and others are visiting the vessel, killing Messrs. Upshur and Gilmer, secretaries of war and navy, and others.
May 6—The “Know-nothing” or American excitement produces a serious riot in Philadelphia.
July 7—Jo. Smith, the originator of the Mormons, killed at Carthage, Ill.
Nov.—The Democratic party elected James K. Polk for President. The chief question entering into the election was on the annexation of Texas. It had been sought for some years but had been declined as certain to bring on a war with Mexico, which, as a sister republic, and much weaker than ourselves, had been considered to be an unworthy act. The Whigs, with Henry Clay as their candidate for President, opposed it. It was carried, in great part as a pro-slavery measure, although the bitter and barbarous conduct of the Mexicans toward Texans and American citizens had something to do with it.
1845.
Jan. 16—A treaty made with China, ratified by the U. S. Senate.
” 23—An act of Congress orders presidential elections to be held in all the States on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Feb. 28—Congress annexes Texas to the Union, by a joint resolution of both Houses.
Mar. 3—Florida admitted into the Union.