Inauguration of John Adams

Presidential Inauguration of John Adams
John Adams
Participants	James Adams
Location	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Congress Hall
Date	March 4, 1797 (1797-03-04)

The inauguration of John Adams as the second President of the United States took place on Saturday, March 4, 1797. The inauguration marked the commencement of the four-year term of John Adams as President and Thomas Jefferson as Vice President. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Oliver Ellsworth swore him in. The oath of office was administered in the House of Representatives Chamber of Congress Hall in Philadelphia. This was the first inaugural oath administered by a Chief Justice of the United States.

Inaugural ceremonies

On the day of inauguration at The House of Representatives chamber, Congress Hall, in Philadelphia, the weather was at a fair temperature of 53 degrees. The room was at maximum capacity and there was not an empty seat. The engagement was full of [Members of the United States House of Representatives], United States Senators, Justices of the Supreme Court, United States Cabinet members [1], and a wide range of fellow citizens [2] who were at an "Aww" for amazement and eagerly awaiting for the ceremony to begin. At the inauguration, former President George Washington [3] and Vice President Thomas Jefferson [4], who had just previously been inaugurated that morning, were present. First George Washington enters, with an overall applause. Next, Thomas Jefferson enters as the crowd applaud even louder; and last but not least, John Adams himself. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were dressed in a more professional manner than John Adams [5]. Washington wore a black velvet dress suit, and Jefferson wore a long blue frock coat. Adams wore a simple suit of grey broadcloth, without fancy buttons or knee buckles. Adams was a nervous wreck at the moments before being sworn in. He revealed to his wife Abigail, who was also amongst the crowd, that it felt as if he were on stage playing a part in a play. He said it was "the most affecting and overpowering scene I ever acted in." At that moment, was the first and last time all three men had ever appeared, on a stage, at such a scene together. When Adams began to recite his inaugural speech, he delivered his meaning and expressions so strong that the crowd was overwhelmed with his thoughts and words of honor for our country. He expressed his gratitude of a free republican government. He spoke of his respect for the rights of all states, and of his belief in expanded education for all the people, both to enlarge the happiness of life and as essential to the preservation of freedom. He continues to express his love and honor for the constitution and promises that he will do his best to maintain and uphold the people's rights'. He concludes his speech with suggesting that each president on out blesses the nation with his consistent duration of his providence. After such a moving speech, that had many weeping, he energetically repeated the oath from Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth [6] to be sworn in. Adams was the first President to receive the oath of office from the Chief Justice of the United States. Even though Adams admired and gave great admiration for Washington and his legacy, Washington expressed or showed no emotion as if he was at a relief to give up his title; As if it was a weight of stress off of his shoulder; to have such power in his hands. The power of the people at hand and the deciding factors for America.

External links

http://www.juntosociety.com/inaugural/jadams.html http://inaugural.senate.gov/history/chronology/jadams1797.cfm

Books

1. Papers of John Adams by: Adams, John, 1735–1826, Taylor, Robert Joseph

2. A Picture Book of John and Abigail Adams by: Adler, David A, Adler, Michael S, Almler, Ronald III

• More documents from the Library of Congress