The ceremony and celebration of Inauguration Day has been a long cherished tradition in the United States. Of the 58 inaugurations performed over the past 232 years, the last Inauguration Day of the 18th century—while it may not have included all of the pomp and circumstance typical of today—stands out as the first orderly change of leadership under the new Constitution as John Adams became the second president. Aware of the enormous responsibility and hardships that the office held, and the relief George Washington must have felt at reaching retirement, John Adams wrote to Abigail Adams the day after his inauguration, "He Seem’d to me to enjoy a Tryumph over me. Me thought I heard him think Ay! I am fairly out and you fairly in! See which of Us will be happiest."
In honor of Inauguration Day, the MHS has assembled this collection of inauguration-related items from John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and John Quincy Adams.
Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 5 March 1797
"Methought I heard [Washington] think Ay! I am fairly out and you fairly in! See which of Us will be happiest."
Letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams, 18 March 1797
"the Idea of So sacred and solemn a transaction could not fail to impress Your mind with anxious solicitude"
Words from the first occupant of the White HouseJohn Adams, the second president was the first to occupy the White House (originally called the President's House). He moved in in late 1800, as the work was being completed, and wrote to Abigail Adams:
Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 November 1800
"May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof."
Speech of Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, Delivered at his ...
"We have called by different names, brethren of the same principle. WE ARE ALL REPUBLICANS; WE ARE ALL FEDERALISTS."
Th. Jefferson, President of the U.S., 4 March 1801
An Inaugural Souvenir from 1801
Letter (retained copy) from Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 4 March 1801 ...
"...inform him [Mr. Callender] that I have received his letter; that his fine will be remitted."
Arrangements for the Inauguration of the President Elect, Prepared by the Committee ...
"At a quarter before twelve the President elect will arrive at the Capitol"
John Quincy Adams diary 33, pages 103-104 with entry for 4 March 1825
"I entered upon this day with a supplication to Heaven, first for my Country; secondly for myself, and for those connected with my good name and fortunes, that the last results of its events may be auspicious and blessed.."
Adams Ode. For the Fourth of March 1825
"The PEOPLE'S CHOICE we hail, in Thee."