So, Obama's Inaugural Address is tomorrow and it has been all over the news about how great a moment it will be and how the whole world is hinging on what he will say tomorrow.
Anyway it got me to wondering... which president gave the shortest Inaugural Address? We all remember that William Henry Harrison gave the longest (in the cold, in the rain, with no coat or hat of course which lead to his demise shortly thereafter.) However, which president wrapped it up the quickest?
The answer I discovered was George Washington at his second inauguration on March 4th, 1793 it was a grand total of 135 words...(I guess he said all his important stuff at his first inauguration)
Here it is in its entirity in case you are wondering...
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.
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