Inaugural address, Monday, March 5, 1849Context 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