It's March 4th, 1841. A boisterous crowd lines the route from the White House to the Capitol, the largest gathering

yet for an inaugural procession.

And that's despite the rain, clouds, and cold winds.

The President-elect, William Henry Harrison, who has run a campaign portraying himself as a hard cider-drinking, log-cabin living man of the people, has drawn a cavalcade of militia companies, college students, school boys, and veterans

to accompany his ride to the oath of office.

Strong and sturdy, despite his 67 years, Harrison sits atop a white horse.

His only shelter from the weather, the men around him on other horses, the president-elect

having refused the custom made carriage.

He wears no overcoat, no hat, no gloves.

And he would soon deliver an address lasting one hour and 45 minutes.

Still outside, still no coat. A month later, on April 7, 1841, President

William Henry Harrison would be brought forth in another procession, this time in a funeral carriage.

With the White House draped in black and the nation entering a very surprised period of mourning

for their shortest serving commander-in-chief. The In view of the fact, well avouged by history, that the tendency of all human institutions

is to concentrate power in the hands of a single man, and that their ultimate downfall has proceeded from this cause,

I deem it of the most essential importance that a complete separation should take place between the sword and the purse.

Good day, glad to be with you. I'm Don Wildman, and this is American History Hit.

Today we move further along in our American President series with the story behind

our ninth chief executive, also our briefest.

William Henry Harrison, who served from March 4, 1841

to April 4, 1841.

And yes, you heard that right.

...