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
(besides incurring constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all
who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony.