Jackson, who strongly supported a Van Buren/Polk ticket, was delighted when Clay issued a letter for publication in the newspapers opposing Texas annexation, only to be devastated when he learned Van Buren had done the same thing.[77] Van Buren did this because he feared losing his base of support in the Northeast,[78] but his supporters in the old Southwest were stunned at his action. Polk, on the other hand, had written a pro-annexation letter that had been published four days before Van Buren's.[2] Jackson wrote sadly to Van Buren that no candidate who opposed annexation could be elected, and decided Polk was the best person to head the ticket.[79] Jackson met with Polk at the Hermitage on May 13, 1844, and explained to his visitor that only an expansionist from the South or Southwest could be elected—and, in his view, Polk had the best chance.[80] Polk was at first startled, calling the plan "utterly abortive", but he agreed to accept it.[81] Polk immediately wrote to instruct his lieutenants at the convention to work for his nomination as president.[80]
Despite Jackson's quiet efforts on his behalf, Polk was skeptical that he could win.