Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-04-13
A UNIQUE ACCOUNT.
Tho Only Story by an Eye Witness Of
Washinston's Inauguration.

1t ia said that the only description by an
ton, the centennial of which is soon to be
celebrated in New York with so much pomp,
is in privately printed autograph volume
of personal memoirs by Eliza Susan Morton
Quincy, wife Of Josiah Quincy. In this
book she speaks thus of Washing,on's ar
rival in New York, April 23; "Rich car
pets were spread from the wharf to the car
riage prepared for him, but he preferred
walking through the crowded streets, and
was attended by Governor Clinton and many
officers and gentlemen. He frequently
to the ladies' at the windows, who waved
their handkerchief, threw flowers before
him and shed tears of joy and congratula-
ton. The whole city was one scene of tri-
umphsl rejoicing His name in every form
Of decoration, appeared on the front of the
houses; and the streets through which he
namented with flags, silk banners of various
colors, wreaths of flowers and branches of
evergreen. Never did anyone enjoy such a
triumph as Washington who, indeed, read
his triumph In nations eyes
On the 3Oth of April. when Washington
took the oath of office as president of the
United States, the ceremony took place in
the balcony of the old Federal Hall, as it
was afterwsrd named. The windows and
roofs of the adjacent houses were crowded,
and in the streets the throng was so dense
that it seemed as if one might literally walk
on the heads of the people. The balcony of
the hall was in full view of the assembled
multitude. In the centre of the balcony was
placed table with rich covering of red
velvet. And upon this, on crimson velvet
cushion, lay large Bible. This was all the
para phernaIis for the sugust scene. All eyes
were fixed upon the balcony, where at the
appointed hour Washington entered, accom-
panied by the chancellor of the State of New
York. who was to administer the oath. John
Adams, Governor Clinton, and other distin-
BY the great body of the people he had
probably never been seen except as military
hero. The first in war was now to be the
first in peace. His entrance on the balcony
was announced by universal shout of joy and
welcome. His appearance was most solemn
and dignihed. Advancing to the front of the
balcony, bowed several times, and then re-
tired to an arm chair near the table. The
populace seemed to understand that the
scene had overcome him and were hushed in
profound silence. After few moments
Washington arose and came forward. Chan
ceilor Livingston read the oath
according to the form prescribed
by the constitution and Washing
ton repeated it, resting his hand upon the
Bible. 1t was like marriage ceremony.
Mr.. Otis, the secretary Of the senate then
took the Bible to raise it to the lips of
Washington, who stopped and kissed the
book. At this moment signal was given by
raising a flag upon the cupola Of the hall for
= general discharge of the artillery at the
battery. All the bells in the city rang out
peal of joy and the assembled multitude sent
forth q universal shout The president
. yain bowed to the people, and then retired
from the scene such as the proudest monarch |
never enjoyed