I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate.
The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.
During this period, so many important events have occurred, and such changes in men and things have taken place, as the compass of a letter would give you but an inadequate idea of. None of which events, however, nor all of them together, have been able to eradicate from my mind, the recollection of those happy moments – the happiest of my life – which I have enjoyed in your company.
System to all things is the soul of business. To execute properly and act maturely is the way to conduct it to your advantage.
Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.
The men who mine coal and fire furnaces and balance ledgers and turn lathes and pick cotton and heal the sick and plant corn – all serve as proudly, and as profitably, for America as the statesmen who draft treaties and the legislators who enact laws.
All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency.
We have probably had too good an opinion of human nature in forming our confederation.
May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.
To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.
Pierce was the first President to “affirm” rather than “swear” his oath. He was also the first to have memorized his inaugural speech.
A special act of Congress enabled King to take his oath of office in Cuba – the only President or Vice President to be sworn in outside the United States – later in March. King returned home to Alabama in early April and died two days later, the only Vice President to never make it to the national capital during his term of office.
The internet is full of many false and unverified quotes.
Harding was the first sitting Senator to be elected President, and the first to ride to and from his Inauguration in an automobile.
In 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, they both died. They died on the same day, within a few hours of each other, and that day was the Fourth of July.
Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.
Harrison’s 8,400-word inaugural speech was the longest ever, while his 30-day Presidency was the shortest.
Things in life will not always run smoothly. Sometimes we will be rising toward the heights – then all will seem to reverse itself and start downward. The great fact to remember is that the trend of civilization itself is forever upward; that a line drawn through the middle of the peaks and the valleys of the centuries always has an upward trend.
Compared with the perils which our forefathers conquered because they believed and were not afraid, we have still much to be thankful for. Nature still offers her bounty and human efforts have multiplied it. Plenty is at our doorstep, but a generous use of it languishes in the very sight of the supply.
I rejoice in a belief that intellectual light will spring up in the dark corners of the earth; that freedom of inquiry will produce liberality of conduct; that mankind will reverse the absurd position that the many were made for the few.
Envious of none, I am determined to be pleased with all, and this, my dear friend, being the order for my march, I will move gently down the stream of life until I sleep with my fathers.