The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-03-12
THE INAUGURATION.


The thousands who had for several days been
,onr;no into the city were astir bright and early
In fact many perambulated the streets during the
whole of Sunday night having found4 lmpossl-
BILE to secure any Accommodations or sleeping con-
venicnces
Tie morning opened with threatening sky.
followed by little rain, but soon the sun peered
forth and shed his genial rays (obscured OCCASION
ally by passing clouds upon the surglng RESTLESS
and anxious throng, seen vending their way aIo"S
PENNSYLVANIA avenue between Wizards Hotel
and the Capitol. The only drawback was the
clouds of dust created by the high wind :,
By the hour of nine, the thoroughfares were all
rendered lively by the marching of the several
military companies to their headquarters near the
City Hail. whilst thousands upon thousands OF WIS.,
tors were awaiting themselves of the very best OPP
portunities to survey the imposing pageant and
proceedings
The procession moved on to the Capitol amidst
the hearty enthusiasm OF the thousands VINO
thronged the avenue on each side far as the eye
could reach.
Whilst the imposing procession was occupying
the attention of the thousands outside OF the capl-
to the doors of the Senate were opened at liz a.
M, and in a short time the vast chamber was
thronged with brilliant array OF distinguished
men, including the Diplomatic Corps, Judges OF
the United States Supreme Court, Senators, OH
GERS of the Army and Navy, Governors and Elk
Governors Officers of the several Government
Departments Mayors of Cities, etc
President Buchanan and Mr. Lincoln occupied
seats in front of the desk of the Secretary of the
Senate, with the committee Of arrangements on
their left, and the Judges of the Supreme Court
on their right
The Senate was called to order at twelve O'Clock
and the oath of office administered to Mr. Hamli1,
Vice President elect by Vice President Breckin-
ridge.
After the ceremonies in the Senate Chamber,
the assemblage therein formed in procession and
proceeded to the platform the central portico OF
the capitol The procession headed by Col.
VIM Selden, Marshal ofthe District of Columbia,
and accompanied by Senators Pearce of MARYLAND,
Foot of Vermont, and Baker, of Oregon, OF the
committee of arrangements and judges, diplomatic
CORPS and the other distinguished persons who
uined in the escort of the President and the Pres
ident elect from Wizards Hotel to the capitol.
On reaching the front portico, the President
elect took the seat provided for him on the front
Of the platform The President and committee
of arrangements occupied position IN the rear Of
the President elect Next in the of these
the Chief Justice and the Associate Justices of
the Supreme Court, occupied seats on the left,
and the Vice President, Secretary and members OF
the Senate, those on the right The diplomatic
corps occupied the seats next in the rear OF the
Supreme Court. Heads of Departments, Cover
nors and Elk Governors of States and Territories,
and eX-members of the Senate, ex-members and
members elect Of the House of Representatives in
the rear of the members of the Senate. Mean
while thousands assembled to witness the au-
gust ceremonies, and the greatest anxiety prevail
ed to see anG hear the President elect. The capt.
tol grounds swarmed with the immense multitude,
and windows, roofs trees and every other available
spot we're lined with men, women and children
Those entitled to seats the platform having
taken the place assigned them, and order having
been somewhat restored, MIR Lincoln arose and de-
ivered the Inaugural Address.
j he reading of the address occupied about half
an hour Its delivery loud, earnest and en-
phatIc, and though but few Of his words reached
further than the middle circle of the multitude
by which be surrounded, yet the whole mass
evinced their interest by.trequent oubursts of ap
pause.
AS Mr. Lincoln concluded, Hon. Roger
B. fancy, the venerable Chief Justice of the Uni
ted States, rose, and in a solemn and impressive
manner, administered the oath of Office to Mr. Lin
coin, to the effect that he will faithfully execute
the Office of President of the United States, and
will, to best of his ability, preserve protect and
defend the Constitution of the United States"
Having administered the oath, Judge fancy
congratulated Mr. Lincoln, amidst the loud ap-
pause of the assembled spectators, and the stirring
music of several bands.
When the escort reached the Executive Man
sion, MIR Buchanan, stepping on the threshold,
said to President Lincoln that having conducted
him safely through the ceremonies and introduced
him to his new home, he would bid him fare
well, wishing him Heavens blessing upon his ad-
min;stration. President Lincoln with deep feeling
acknowledged this kind expression, and the great
pleasure it would ever afford him to see Mr. Buc-
hanan at the executive mansion They then shook
hands, and Mr. Buchanan re-entered his carriage
and left for the residence of Robt. Ould, Esq.
The local troops and two companies of Federal
soldiers formed the Presidential escort The
great body of Federal Forces were kept in reserve
in the event any attempt should be made to assault
the 'ral splitter"
For the first time in the history of the govern
ment, several prominent house-tops all along the
route of the procession, occupied by detach-
ments of Rifemen-sharp shooters.
All the principal avenues of approach to the city
were guarded by detachments Of the local military
corps.