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George Washington's Second Inaugural Address

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1793

Portrait of George Washington by James Sharples, painted in Philadelphia or New York, about 1790 pastel on paper, CWF acc. no. 1940-122

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.

Source: Richardson, James D. A Compilation of the Messages of the Presidents 1789-1897, vol. 1. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1896.

Washington's First Inaugural Address

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