Description
Book Synopsis James Knox Polk (1845-1849) was the first commander-in-chief to demand detailed knowledge of his administration''s every action. He made audacious use of covert actions and was determined to keep these operations from the Congress. Polk authorized covert operations in both the Republic of Texas and Mexico to bribe and cajole the Texans into voting to join the Union and to cause the Republic of Texas to be at war with Mexico at the time of annexation.
Secret agents were sent to Cuba; spies bribed Mexican officials not to resist the invading Americans. Mexican highwaymen were released from prison, recruited as spies, and known as the Mexican Spy Company. This revealing study sheds light on all of these activities.
Trade Reviewsynthesizes much material on U.S. covert operation in Texas and Mexico during the Polk administration""
Choice ""Caruso...has taken a neglected topic and analyzed it in an interesting manner. This book provides answers to murky questions, such as the surrender of New Mexico. The author can also be congratulated for writing an easy to read book that is refreshingly free of jargon, models, or theory...a compelling perspective upon a somewhat overlooked aspect of the Mexican War"" Journal of Military History
