6015. OATH OF OFFICE, Presidential.—
I propose to take the oath or oaths of office
as President of the United States, on Wednesday
the 4th inst., at 12 o'clock, in the Senate
chamber. May I hope the favor of your attendance
to administer the oath? As the two
Houses have notice of the hour, I presume a
precise punctuality to it will be expected from
me. I would pray you, in the meantime, to
consider whether the oath prescribed in the
Constitution be not the only one necessary to
take? It seems to comprehend the substance
of that prescribed by the act of Congress to
all officers, and it may be questionable whether
the Legislature can require any new oath from
the President. I do not know what has been
done in this heretofore; but I presume the oaths
administered to my predecessors are recorded
in the Secretary of State's office.—
To John Marshall. Washington ed. iv, 364.
(W.
March 2, 1801)
