First inauguration of James Madison

First Presidential Inauguration of James Madison

Date	March 4, 1809
Location	United States Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Participants	President of the United States, James Madison Assuming office Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall Administering oath Vice President of the United States George Clinton Assuming office

The first inauguration of James Madison as the fourth President of the United States was held on Saturday, March 4, 1809, at the House chamber in the U.S. Capitol.

History

The inauguration marked the commencement of the first four-year term of James Madison as President and the second term (which lasted approximately three years) of George Clinton as Vice President. The oath was administered by Chief Justice John Marshall. The President wore a 100% American-made wool suit, and the first official inaugural ball occurred at Long's Hotel, with ticket prices being $4 (currently about $61).^[1]

Inaugural Address

March 4, 1809 James Madison gives his Inauguration Address and pledges into office as the fourth president of the United States of America. In his speech James Madison addresses the nation on how he feels. Madison felt honor and responsibility in a way he could not express when elected president. Madison acknowledges that the United Sates is a country with a great deal of issues and difficulties, the pressure of that hits him hard. After his statement with the problems the Unites States has, he also mentions how great the United States is and how far it has come as a country in a short period of time. President James Madison informs the people in his speech that our country is trying to make peace and have good relations with all nations, especially with belligerent nations. Other strong powers calling for peace but can not help but to go to war. He wants to remain a neutral country as we progress and build this nation. He mentions that we have had one to many bloody and wasteful wars. “It has been the true glory of the United States to cultivate peace by observing justice.” (line in James Madison's inaugural speech). While doing this, the United States does this with moral and ethical standards and fulfilling the obligations that the Untied States feels is right in a time of war. James Madison makes a promise to meet with the United States councils of the nation to make safeguards and to honor essential interest with other nations. Building up and funding a strong military and militia’s is something he wants to do. His reason is because they can defend the republic and the rights of the people. James Madison ends the speech with gratitude towards people in the past who have done so much for the United States and wishes the best, for the future of this young thriving country.^[2]

See also

• United States presidential election, 1808

References

1. "President James Madison, 1809". Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
2. "The First Inaugural Address of President James Madison". The University of Oklahoma College of Law. Retrieved 11 November 2016.

External links

• More documents from the Library of Congress