LAD: #9

Summary of Jefferson's First Inaugural Address:

Thomas Jefferson gave his first inaugural speech on March 4, 1801. He first graciously accepts his presidency and thanks his fellow men. He goes on to discuss the importance of staying united and keeping the great virtues such as equality and liberty ongoing. He states that "we are all Republicans, we are all Federalists," people may have different opinions, but the principles are the same. He praises the Republican style government as the best in the world. Jefferson mentions how in the United States, "honesty, truth, temperance, gratitude, and the love of man" create happiness and the government will protect its citizens but let them pursue their own business in industry and improvement. He also acknowledges the rights of the states, general government, and the people. Jefferson stresses the importance of things like freedom of speech, religion, press, person, and trial by jury in order to guide the young nation. He finishes by saying that he will make mistakes but they will never be intentional and he will do his best to run the great nation.