John Quincy Adams
Metropolitan Museum of Art

The American Congress, however, was worried about being drawn into war with Mexico, and even more worried that admitting Texas would upset the balance between slave states and free states that had been carefully preserved since 1820. Although primarily motivated by their desire to limit slavery, opponents of annexation, led by former President John Quincy Adams, seized upon any argument they could for legislative leverage. President Andrew Jackson favored annexation but knew that the Senate would reject any treaty annexing Texas. His last official act as President in March of 1837 was to recognize the Republic of Texas. Instead of celebrating, most Texans greeted the news with disgust.