The second inauguration of James Madison as president of the United States was held on Thursday, March 4, 1813, at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. The

inauguration In government and politics, inauguration is the process of swearing a person into office and thus making that person the incumbent. Such an inauguration commonly occurs through a formal ceremony or special event, which may also include an inaugu ...

marked the commencement of the second four-year term of James Madison as president and the only term of

Elbridge Gerry Elbridge Gerry (; July 17, 1744 – November 23, 1814) was an American Founding Father, merchant, politician, and diplomat who served as the fifth vice president of the United States under President James Madison from 1813 until his death in 18 ...

as vice president. The presidential oath was administered by Chief Justice

John Marshall John Marshall (September 24, 1755July 6, 1835) was an American politician and lawyer who served as the fourth Chief Justice of the United States from 1801 until his death in 1835. He remains the longest-serving chief justice and fourth-longes ...

. Gerry died into this term, and the office remained vacant for the balance of it. (Prior to ratification of the

Twenty-fifth Amendment The Twenty-fifth Amendment (Amendment XXV) to the United States Constitution deals with presidential succession and disability. It clarifies that the vice president becomes president if the president dies, resigns, or is removed from office, a ...

in 1967, no constitutional provision existed for filling an intra-term vacancy in the vice presidency.)

Background and ceremony

During the War of 1812, incumbent Madison fended off a challenge by

DeWitt Clinton DeWitt Clinton (March 2, 1769February 11, 1828) was an American politician and naturalist. He served as a United States senator, as the mayor of New York City, and as the seventh governor of New York. In this last capacity, he was largely res ...

, who received support from both

Federalists The term ''federalist'' describes several political beliefs around the world. It may also refer to the concept of parties, whose members or supporters called themselves ''Federalists''. History Europe federation In Europe, proponents of de ...

and

Republicans Republican can refer to: Political ideology * An advocate of a republic, a type of government that is not a monarchy or dictatorship, and is usually associated with the rule of law. ** Republicanism, the ideology in support of republics or agains ...

opposed to Madison and the war, in the

1812 United States presidential election The 1812 United States presidential election was the seventh quadrennial presidential election. It was held from Friday, October 30, 1812 to Wednesday, December 2, 1812. Taking place in the shadow of the War of 1812, incumbent Democratic-Republic ...

. On March 4, 1813, Madison arrived at the capitol with an escort of marines and cavalry. Chief Justice Marshall, a long-time enemy of Madison's, allegedly appeared disgusted when giving the oath of office. In his inaugural address, Madison summarized American grievances against the British and attempted to rally the nation around the war effort. After the inauguration, Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison hosted an inaugural ball.

References

External links

More documents
from the '' Library of Congress''
Text of Madison's Second Inaugural Address
1813 in Washington, D.C. 1813 in American politics Presidency of James Madison United States presidential inaugurations March 1813 events {{US-hist-stub

Background and ceremony

See also

References

External links