Creating the United States

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John Marshall Agrees to Administer Oath of Office to Jefferson

John Marshall Agrees to Administer Oath of Office to Jefferson (104.03.00)

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Federalist John Marshall, who had just taken the oath of office as chief justice of the Supreme Court on February 4, 1801, agreed to administer the oath of office to Thomas Jefferson on March 4, 1801—thus confirming Federalist acquiescence in Jefferson’s election. Marshall also continued to act as secretary of state until the March 5 confirmation of James Madison.

(Transcription)

“I shall with much pleasure attend to administer the oath. . .”


Federalist John Marshall, who had just taken the oath of office as chief justice of the Supreme Court on February 4, 1801, agreed to administer the oath of office to Thomas Jefferson on March 4, 1801—thus confirming Federalist acquiescence in Jefferson’s election. Marshall also continued to act as secretary of state until the March 5 confirmation of James Madison.