
Second Inaugural Address of George Washington
(circa 1793)
March 4, 1793 (shortest inaugural address):
Fellow citizens:
I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief
Magistrate. When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the
high sense I entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been
reposed in me by the people of united America.
Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the Constitution requires an oath
of office. This oath I am now about to take, and in your presence: That if it shall be
found during my administration of the Government I have in any instance violated willingly
or knowingly the injunctions thereof; I may, besides incurring constitutional punishment,
be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony.
- George Washington, 1793
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