The inauguration finally took place on the thirtieth of April.

On the thirtieth at last all things were ready, and the inauguration went forward.  The place was at what they then called Federal Hall, in New York, and Chancellor Livingstone administered the oath: 

I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully administer and 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.

A salute of thirteen guns followed, amid the cheers of thousands of people.  Washington then delivered his inaugural speech to both houses in the Senate Chamber.  After this ceremony he walked to St. Paul’s Church, where the Bishop of New York read prayers.  Maclay, who was a Senator in the first Congress, says: 

He was agitated and embarrassed more than he ever was by the leveled cannon or pointed musket.  He trembled and several times could scarce make out to read his speech, though it must be supposed he had often read it before.

Fisher Ames says: 

He addressed the two houses in the Senate Chamber.  It was a very touching scene, and quite of a solemn kind.  His aspect, grave almost to sadness, his modesty, actually shaking, his voice deep, a little tremulous, and so low as to call for close attention.

John Adams had taken his place as President of the Senate two days before.  As he did not always in after life speak any too cordially of Washington, it is worth noting that at this critical period he said that he congratulated the people of America on “the prospect of an executive authority in the hands of one whose portrait I shall not pretend to draw....  Were I blessed with powers to do justice to his character, it would be impossible to increase the confidence, or affection of his country, or make the smallest addition to his glory.  This can only be effected by a discharge of the present exalted trust on the same principles, with the same abilities and virtues which have uniformly appeared in all his former conduct, public or private.  May I nevertheless be indulged to inquire, if we look over the catalogue of the first magistrates of nations, whether they have been denominated presidents or consuls, kings or princes, where shall we find one whose commanding talents and virtues, whose overruling good fortune, have so completely united all hearts and voices in his favor? who enjoyed the esteem and admiration of foreign nations and fellow-citizens with equal unanimity?  Qualities so uncommon are no common blessings to the country that possesses them.  By these great qualities and their benign effects has Providence marked out the head of this Nation, with a hand so distinctly visible as to have been seen by all men, and mistaken by none.”

Whether on this occasion, there were too much ceremony was a question discussed at the time, in connection with the heated discussion as to the etiquette of the new Administration.  There is a correspondence between Washington and an old friend, Stuart, of Virginia, who had told him that the people of that State accused him of “regal manners.”