fellow-citizens：
about to undertake the arduous duties that i have been appointed to perform by the choice of a free people， i avail myself of this customary and solemn occasion to express the gratitude which their confidence inspires and to acknowledge the accountability which my situation enjoins. while the magnitude of their interests convinces me that no thanks can be adequate to the honor they have conferred， it admonishes me that the best return i can make is the zealous dedication of my humble abilities to their service and their good.
as the instrument of the federal constitution it will devolve on me for a stated period to execute the laws of the united states， to superintend their foreign and their confederate relations， to manage their revenue， to command their forces， and， by communications to the legislature， to watch over and to promote their interests generally. and the principles of action by which i shall endeavor to accomplish this circle of duties it is now proper for me briefly to explain.
in administering the laws of congress i shall keep steadily in view the limitations as well as the extent of the executive power trusting thereby to discharge the functions of my office without transcending its authority. with foreign nations it will be my study to preserve peace and to cultivate friendship on fair and honorable terms， and in the adjustment of any differences that may exist or arise to exhibit the forbearance becoming a