On This Day in 1793: Inaugural Address Given
Washington’s second inaugural address is written in what is likely the hand of his personal secretary, Tobias Lear. (Document courtesy of the Library of Congress)
On this day in 1793, George Washington gave the shortest inaugural address in U.S. presidential history. Washington had hoped to return home to Mount Vernon, but was instead convinced by his peers to stay for a second term. The address is as follows:
FELLOW-CITIZENS: I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been reposed in me by the people of united America.
Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the Constitution requires an oath of office. This oath I am now about to take, and in your presence: That if it shall be found during my administration of the Government I have in any instance violated willingly or knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may (beside incurring constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony.
March 7th, 2011 at 11:27 am
Washington’s sacrifices to his country were very nearly limitless, and he was a public servant in the truest sense of the word. I wish he were not so rare in the world of government, but he is, and was.
March 8th, 2011 at 8:39 am
I was just at Mount Vernon yesterday and the tour guide in the library quoted Washington as saying, “We fight for millions of Americans yet unborn.” Our founding fathers all realized the significance of what they were doing for generations to come. He indeed was a servant of the people and of his country. What a sacrifice he made!!
April 11th, 2011 at 11:33 am
It really shows how much this man cared for his country. He gave so much for his country and truly put his country before himself. Being able to help his country in its time of need made him an incredible man and leader. Hopefully many presidents to come can take some of his core values and apply them to our day-in-age.