The inaugural was
deliberately prepared, and uttered as written, and, in connection with
the farewell speech to the Senate, presents a clear and authentic
statement of the principles and purposes which actuated me on assuming
the duties of the high office to which I had been called.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
"_Gentlemen of the Congress of the Confederate States of
America, Friends, and Fellow-Citizens:_
"Called to the difficult and responsible station of Chief
Magistrate of the Provisional Government which you have
instituted, I approach the discharge of the duties assigned to
me with humble distrust of my abilities, but with a sustaining
confidence in the wisdom of those who are to guide and aid me in
the administration of public affairs, and an abiding faith in
the virtue and patriotism of the people. Looking forward to the
speedy establishment of a permanent government to take the place
of this, which by its greater moral and physical power will be
better able to combat with many difficulties that arise from the
conflicting interests of separate nations, I enter upon the
duties of the office to which I have been chosen with the hope
that the beginning of our career, as a Confederacy, may not be
obstructed by hostile opposition to our enjoyment of the
separate existence and independence we have asserted, and which,
with the blessing of Providence, we intend to maintain.
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