COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 14, 1801

• Thomas Jefferson's first inauguration
• President of the United States of America

Near the top of page 2, beneath an introductory paragraph, is Thomas Jefferson's last message to the Senate as the President pro tempore before he would assume the highest office of the nation. This address is signed by him in type: Thomas Jefferson. This is followed by "The Senate's Answer".
But the most significant content then follows, headed: "President Jefferson's Speech" which has a prefacing statement reading: "This day, at 12 o'clock, Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, took the oath of office in the Senate Chamber, in presence of the Senate, the Members of the House of Representatives, the Public Officers, etc. Previously to which he delivered the following ADDRESS..." and what follows is Jefferson's inaugural address which takes about 1 1/2 columns and is signed by him in script type: Thomas Jefferson. Page 2 has a few other small items relating to the establishment of Jefferson's administration.
Four pages, archival strengthening at the spine where some blank portions were missing, light toning, minor wear at the margins, generally in good condition.

Background: This issue offers a momentous first-hand account of the nation's peaceful transition of power following the contentious election of 1800, capturing Thomas Jefferson's final moments as Vice President alongside his assumption of the presidency. Located on page 2 beneath an introductory lead, the issue highlights Jefferson's valedictory message to the Senate as its outgoing presiding officer, followed immediately by the Senate's formal response of farewell. The centerpiece of the publication is the full text of Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address—prefaced by a detailed notice confirming he took the oath of office at noon in the U.S. Capitol's Senate Chamber—spanning roughly a column and a half before concluding with his printed signature in script type. Celebrated for its unifying call to heal partisan divides after years of fierce conflict between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans—famously asserting, "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists"—the publication of this monumental address in a prominent, opposition-aligned Federalist newspaper provided New England readers with their first official look at the principles framing the new administration.