istance of the coordinate
departments of the Government in conducting our public affairs, I enter
upon the discharge of the high duties which have been assigned me by the
people, again humbly supplicating that Divine Being who has watched over
and protected our beloved country from its infancy to the present hour
to continue His gracious benedictions upon us, that we may continue to
be a prosperous and happy people.

* * * * *

ZACHARY TAYLOR, INAUGURAL ADDRESS

MONDAY, MARCH 5, 1849

[Transcriber's note: For the second time in the history of the Republic,
March 4 fell on a Sunday. The inaugural ceremony was postponed until the
following Monday, raising the question as to whether the Nation was
without a President for a day. General Taylor, popularly known as "Old
Rough and Ready," was famous for his exploits in the Mexican War. He
never had voted in a national election until his own contest for the
Presidency. Outgoing President Polk accompanied the general to the
ceremony at the Capitol. The oath of office was administered by Chief
Justice Roger Taney on the East Portico. After the ceremony, the new
President attended several inaugural celebrations, including a ball that
evening in a specially built pavilion on Judiciary Square.]

Elected by the American people to the highest office known to our laws,
I appear here to take the oath prescribed by the Constitution, and, in
compliance with a time-honored custom, to address those who are now
assembled.

The confidence and respect shown by my countrymen in calling me to be
the Chief Magistrate of a Republic holding a high rank among the nations
of the earth have inspired me with feelings of the most profound
gratitude; but when I reflect that the acceptance of the office which
their partiality has bestowed imposes the discharge of the most arduous
duties and involves the weightiest obligations, I am conscious that the
position which I have been called to fill, though sufficient to satisfy
the loftiest ambition, is surrounded by fearful responsibilities.
Happily, however, in the performance of my new duties I shall not be
without able cooperation. The legislative and judicial branches of the
Government present prominent examples of distinguished civil attainments
and matured experience, and it shall be my endeavor to call to my
assistance in the Executive Departments individuals whose talents,
integrity, and purity of character will furnish ample gua