the scene had overcome him; and were hushed at once into profound silence. After a few moments Washington rose and again came forward. John Adams, the VicePresident, stood on his right; on his left the chancellor of the State, Robert R. Livingston; somewhat in the rear were Roger Sherman, Alexander Hamilton, Generals Knox, and St. Clair, the Baron Steuben, and others. The chancellor advanced to administer the oath prescribed by the Constitution, and Mr. Otis, the secretary of the Senate, held up the Bible on its crimson cushion. The oath was read slowly and distinctly; Washington at the same time laying his hand on the open Bible. When it was concluded, he replied solemnly, "I swear-so help me God!" Mr. Otis would have raised the Bible to his lips, but he bowed down reverently and kissed it. The chancellor now stepped forward, waved his hand and exclaimed, "Long live George Washington, President of the United States!" At this moment a flag was displayed on the cupola of the hall, on which signal there was a general discharge of artillery on the Battery. All the bells of the city rang out a joyful peal, and the multitude rent the air with acclamations. Washington again bowed to the people and |