The morning broke with black clouds and driving rain, and
the prospect seemed exceedinglv gloomy. After breakfast I walked down to
Pennsylvania avenue, under a dripping umbrella, and later, went to the Hall of
Representatives. Spent an hour there, witnessing the close of the session.
Nothing was done while I remained, except call the yeas and nays, amidst much
confusion. The hour having arrived for the inauguration, I obtained a place in
the mud, near the front of the platform, and stood there through the
ceremonies. Many thousands were present; how many, I dare not attempt to guess.
At 12 o'clock noon President Lincoln and Vice-President Johnson appeared upon
the platform, which by that time was filled with Senators, Foreign Ministers,
and other distinguished personages. The appearance of Mr. Lincoln was greeted
with tumultuous shouts from the thousands gathered around, and after a short
delay he arose and read his inaugural address. I heard every word of it. At its
close, Chief Justice Chase arose and administered the oath of office, the
President taking the Bible from his hands and kissing it, at the close of the
oath. All the members of the Supreme Court were standing by. The crowd then
began to disperse, amid the thunder of artillery which shook the Capitol,
massive as it is, until the windows rattled at each explosion. I have omitted
to mention that the rain ceased about half-past ten o'clock, and just as Mr.
Lincoln arose to read his inaugural the sun burst through the clouds and shone
full upon him and the company around him, as well as the thousands' gathered
there. The remainder of the day and evening was glorious. Was the clearing up
the stormy and unpropitious weather of the morning at midday an omen of the
sunlight of success that shall soon gild the clouds that now hang so darkly
around our national sky? Toward night I called at James' room and had a
pleasant time until about eight o'clock. He is tired out, and seems worn down
by the excessive labors of the session. I then went to the President's house,
and after a long time succeeded in entering the east room. There were an
immense number present. . . .
SOURCE: Corydon Eustathius Fuller, Reminiscences of
James A. Garfield: With Notes Preliminary and Collateral, p. 374-5
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