Inaugural Bible, 1861

The Holy Bible.
Oxford: 1853
Rare Book & Special Collections Division
Gift of Mrs. Robert Todd Lincoln, 1928

Chief Justice Roger B. Taney administered the oath of office to Abraham Lincoln using the Bible shown here. With the brief words, "I, Abraham Lincoln, do solemnly swear 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" Lincoln was sworn in as the sixteenth president. The ceremony was witnessed by Clerk of the Supreme Court, William Thomas Carroll, who recorded the occasion in the back of this Bible.

Additional Views:
William H. Seward (1801-1872)
Holograph notes on Lincoln's inaugural
address, 1861
Manuscript Division (3.6)