President Thomas Jefferson is asked to provide context for presidential inaugurations. Clay & David discuss our third president's inaugural address — its content & its tone — while comparing it to the address of our forty-fifth president, Donald Trump.
“The People’s Friend”
Written & Composed for the Celebration of the 4 of March 1801
Words by a Citizen
Music by John Isaac Hawkins
No more subtle arts a prey
Which, fearful of the eye of day
A nation’s ruin planned
Now entering on this precious morn
In which a people’s hopes are born
What joy o’er spreads the land
While past events portended harm
And raised the spirit of alarm
Uncertain of the end
E’re all was lost, the prospect cleared
And the bright star of hope appeared
The People’s chosen friend
Devoted to his Country’s cause
The Rights of Men and equal laws
His hallowed pen was given
And now those Rights & Laws to save
From sinking to an early grave
He comes employed by Heaven
What joyful prospects rise before
Peace, Arts and Science hail our Shore
And through the Country spread
Long may these blessings be preserved
And by a virtuous Land deserved
With Jefferson our head
Further Reading:
- Cait Miller for Library of Congress: Inauguration Music of Yesteryear
- Monticello: Portable Grand Piano
- Jefferson's First Inaugural Address
- Letter from John Adams to John Stockdale, 12 May 1793: "Mankind will in time discover, that unbridled Majorities, are as tyrannical and cruel as unlimited Despots."
- Letter from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 30 June 1813: "I have no doubt you was fast asleep in philosophical Tranquility"
1776 Club: Forward Movement
On this week's 1776 Club broadcast, Clay & David discuss letters from listeners Eric N. and Andrew M. on a wide variety of subjects, including a few that may be the centerpieces of upcoming shows.
Listen to this week's episode or learn more about the 1776 Club.
"John Steinbeck’s California"
Spring Book Retreat/Tour 2017: March 4-10
A Spring Book Retreat/Tour honoring one of America's most beloved authors, Nobel Prize-winner John Steinbeck. Morning discussions lead by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson. Enjoy book retreat discussions in the morning, touring in the afternoon, with several hikes and other adventures tossed in. Your cottage is within walking distance to the Point Pinos Lighthouse and the Pacific tide-pools that John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts stood appreciating the interconnectedness of life. We hope during your time in Steinbeck's California, memories from "the bard of the people", scenes and colorful characters from his best novels, and thought provoking literature, "spring" alive, if not for real, at least in "your mind's eye". To highlight your experience a suggested reading list is provided upon reservation. Come Join the FUN!
This retreat is hosted by Odyssey Tours, a div. of Bek, Inc.
For more information, visit Odyssey Tours online or contact Becky Cawley: (208) 791-8721 or bek@odytours.net
What Would Jefferson Do?
“There were people who felt that I might be a dangerous man.”
Tune in to your local public radio or join the 1776 Club to hear this episode of What Would Thomas Jefferson Do?
President Thomas Jefferson was sworn in as our third President on March 4, 1801. He was dressed simply, wearing nothing that would distinguish him from the crowd gathered at noon as he entered the Capitol and then the Senate Gallery to give his speech. The theme of his speech was reconciliation after his bitterly partisan election. This week, Mister Jefferson joins us and recites that speech.
"The debate in American history is not between Hamilton and Jefferson, the debate is between Adams and Jefferson."
— Clay S. Jenkinson
This week, we answer listener questions on the Thomas Jefferson Hour, including a letter from a writer who wonders whether the Founding Fathers were geniuses who seized the moment, or simply average people living in extraordinary times. We also speak with our good friend Beau Wright.
Our conversation this week is with the scholar, Charles Slack. Slack is the author of Liberty's First Crisis: Adams, Jefferson, and the Misfits Who Saved Free Speech.
President Thomas Jefferson is asked to provide context for presidential inaugurations. Clay & David discuss our third president's inaugural address — its content & its tone — while comparing it to the address of our forty-fifth president, Donald Trump.