You're listening to the free ad-sponsored re-release of American Elections Wicked Game,

a weekly march through every presidential election from 1789 to 2024.

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Subscribers there enjoy ad-free listening, early access, bonus content and more from a growing collection of great history podcasts. Start your free trial today at intohistory.com. It's February 18th, 1861, inauguration day.

After a long train ride, the President-elect has finally arrived.

Though his journey was filled with bands, bonfires, and seas of well-wishers in every town,

he is filled with trepidation.

Escorted by a military parade, he rides to the steps of the Capitol in an elegant open carriage drawn by six white horses.

Greeted by tremendous fanfare, he solemnly climbs the stairs and takes a seat on the platform.

A Bible rests on the table beside him, along with a stunning wreath of flowers.

As a short prayer is offered, he cannot help but feel the weight of the moment.

He knows the very survival of the nation, celebrating him today,

rest squarely on his shoulders.

When the prayer is finished, he rises to the podium, the crowd falls into the deepest of silence.

Call to the difficult and responsible station of chief executive.

I approached the discharge of the duties assigned to me with a humble distrust of my abilities,

but with a sustaining confidence in the wisdom of those who are to guide and aid me in the administration

of public affairs and an abiding faith in the virtue and patriotism of the people.

The task before him will not be easy.

With the union torn into, this new leader, former Mississippi Congressman Jefferson Davis, will only be president of the southern half.

I enter upon the duties of office of which I have been chosen with the hope that the beginning

of our intend to maintain. In his inauguration speech on the steps of the Alabama Capitol, Jefferson Davis evokes the Declaration of Independence.

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