On April 30, 1789, George Washington delivered his first inaugural address to Congress in New York City. According to an observer, the newly-elected president, who had not sought the office and was humbled by the request to serve, delivered the speech in a deep, low voice that betrayed “manifest embarrassment.”
Washington confined his address to generalities, recommending constitutional amendments to satisfy citizens demanding a Bill of Rights. He closed by asking for a “divine blessing” on the American people and their elected representatives.
Washington went beyond the constitutional requirement to take an oath of office, thus establishing a precedent that has been followed since by every elected president.
Two weeks before his inauguration, Washington expressed regret to the citizens of Alexandria, Virginia, at leaving his Mount Vernon estate where he had retired, stating: “no earthly consideration, short of a conviction of duty, could have prevailed upon me to depart from my resolution, ‘never more to take any share in transactions of a public nature.’”
The reluctant leader served two terms in office.