The short method of joint resolution was therefore devised by the ever fertile brain of Mr.
Calhoun, and its passage through Congress intrusted to the skilful management of Robert J.Walker, then a senator from Mississippi, and already indicated for the portfolio of the Treasury in the new administration.

Mr.Polk was in consultation with Mr.Tyler during the closing weeks of the latter's administration, and the annexation by joint resolution had his full concurrence.

It was passed in season to receive the approval of President Tyler on the first day of March, three days before the eventful administration of Mr.Polk was installed in power.

Its terms were promptly accepted by Texas, and at the next session of Congress, beginning December, 1845, the constitution of the new State was approved.

Historic interest attached to the appearance of Sam Houston and Thomas J.Rusk as the first senators from the great State which they had torn from Mexico and added to the Union.
The lapse of forty years and the important events of intervening history give the opportunity for impartial judgment concerning the policy of acquiring Texas.