On the 4th of March, 1825, John Quincy Adams was inaugurated as President of the United States, and took the executive chair, which had been entered twenty-eight years before by his venerated father.  The declaration of that father in reference to the son, when a lad—­“He behaves like a man!”—­had gathered strength and meaning in the lapse of years.  The people of the American republic, taught by a long series of faithful and eminent services, in the fulfilment of the prophetic words, placed him in a position the most elevated and honorable, the most worthy the aim of a pure and patriotic ambition, that earth can afford!

The scene at the inauguration was splendid and imposing.  At an early hour of the day the avenues leading to the capitol presented an animated spectacle.  Crowds of citizens on foot, in carriages, and on horseback, were hastening to the great centre of attraction.  Strains of martial music, and the movements of the various military corps, heightened the excitement.

At 12 o’clock, the military escort, consisting of general and staff officers, and several volunteer companies, received the President elect at his residence, together with President Monroe, and several officers of government.  The procession, led by the cavalry, and accompanied by an immense concourse of citizens, proceeded to the capitol, where it was received, with military honors, by the U. S. Marine Corps under Col.  Henderson.

Meanwhile the hall of the House of Representatives presented a brilliant spectacle.  The galleries and the lobbies were crowded with spectators.  The sofas between the columns, the bar, the promenade in the rear of the Speaker’s chair, and the three outer rows of the members’ seats, were occupied by a splendid array of beauty and fashion.  On the left, the Diplomatic Corps, in the costume of their respective Courts, occupied the place assigned them, immediately before the steps which lead to the chair.  The officers of the army and navy were scattered in groups throughout the hall.  In front of the Clerk’s table chairs were placed for the Judges of the Supreme Court.

At twenty minutes past 12 o’clock, the marshals, in blue scarfs, made their appearance in the hall, at the head of the august procession.  First came the officers of both Houses of Congress.  Then appeared the President elect, followed by the venerable ex-president Monroe, with his family.  To these succeeded the Judges of the Supreme Court, in their robes of office, the members of the Senate, preceded by the Vice-President, with a number of the members of the House of Representatives.

Mr. Adams, in a plain suit of black, made entirely of American manufactures, ascended to the Speaker’s chair, and took his seat.  The Chief Justice was placed in front of the Clerk’s table, having before him another table on the floor of the hall, on the opposite side of which sat the remaining Judges, with their faces towards the chair.  The doors having been closed, and silence proclaimed, Mr. Adams arose, and, in a distinct and firm tone of voice, read his inaugural address.