He took his seat by
the side of a crimson-covered table, on which lay a Bible.
As Washington stood up face to face with the chancellor of New York State,
who was to give the oath, a deep hush fell on the multitude below. "Do you
solemnly swear," asked Chancellor Livingston, "that you will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the
best of your ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of
the United States?"
[Illustration: Washington Taking the Oath of Office as First President, at
Federal Hall, New York City.]
"I do solemnly swear," said Washington, "that I will faithfully execute
the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my
ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United
States."
Then with deep earnestness he bent and kissed the Bible held before him,
with the whispered prayer: "So help me God!"
"Long live George Washington, President of the United States!" exclaimed
Livingston, and the excited throng took up the cry, shouting with wild
enthusiasm. Thus was inaugurated our first President.
Returning to the Senate Chamber, Washington there delivered a short
address.
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