Swearing-In Ceremony for President Abraham Lincoln
Twentieth Inaugural Ceremonies, March 4, 1865
Inaugural Address
‘ Fellow-Countrymen: At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first.’
Read the address
(Words: 698)
Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Abraham Lincoln by the Honorable Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Twentieth Inaugural Ceremonies
- Bible Used: The origin of Lincoln's second Inaugural Bible is unknown, but it was open to Matthew 7:1; 18:7; and Revelations 16:7.
- Attire: Unknown
Vice Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Andrew Johnson.
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Location
East Portico,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC -
Facts, Firsts & Precedents
African Americans participated in the Inaugural parade for the first time.
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Weather
Rain for two days and right up to the ceremony, when it ended and the sun broke through. Total rainfall for the day was .30 inches, with the bulk of it falling near daybreak. Grounds around the Capitol were very soft and muddy. Estimated noon temperature of 45°F.