George Washington’s first inauguration
On 30 April 1789, George Washington stood on a balcony of Federal Hall in New York in front of a crowd of 10,000 to take the oath of office to become America’s very first president. After the oath, which was administered by Chancellor Robert Livingston, Washington went inside to address Congress. Unlike the oath of office, Washington’s speech wasn’t mandated by the Constitution, but since then, every subsequent president has followed Washington’s example and given an inaugural address.
Despite being a war hero, Washington was nervous while giving his speech, fidgeting and sometimes speaking too quietly to be heard. One audience member, Senator William Maclay, remarked that during the address, “This great man was agitated and embarrassed more than ever he was by the levelled Cannon or pointed Musket.” Though his inaugural speech is generally thought to be written by James Madison, it’s consistent with ideas expressed by Washington at other times.
Announcement of Washington’s inauguration in the London Times
He began the 10-minute-long speech by expressing his reservations and doubts about becoming president and by giving gratitude to God and crediting him with America’s development and independence. He then, instead of giving specific policy recommendations to Congress, went on to talk about how national policy will inevitably reflect the morality and virtues of lawmakers and the American people. Washington also suggested that Congress take into account “the characteristic rights of freemen and a regard for the public harmony” when deciding whether to make amendments to the Constitution. He ended by refusing to accept payment as president except for “such actual expenditures as the public good may be thought to require.”
After the speech, Washington and others attended a service at St. Paul’s Chapel, and there was a fireworks display that night.
Read Washington’s inaugural address here. Or read more about the address and inauguration here, here, or here. You can also find much more information about George Washington in Fold3’s Revolutionary War collection or on this Person Page created by gorgeriverman.
