d man, who had been the body-
servant of General Taylor for many years, the parade horse, "Old
Whitey," which he had ridden in the Mexican campaign, and a favorite
dog.

General Taylor was inaugurated on Monday, March 5th. He was escorted
from Willard's Hotel by an imposing procession, headed by twelve
volunteer companies. The President-elect rode in an open carriage
drawn by four gray horses, and he was joined at the Irving House
by President Polk, who sat at his right hand. One hundred young
gentlemen, residents of the District of Columbia, mounted on spirited
horses, formed a body-guard, and kept the crowd from pressing around
the President's carriage. Then came the "Rough-and-Ready" clubs
of Washington, Georgetown, Alexandria, and Baltimore, with banners,
badges, and music, while the students of the Georgetown College
brought up the rear.

The personal appearance of General Taylor as he read his inaugural
address from a platform erected in front of the eastern portico of
the Capitol was not imposing. His figure was somewhat portly, and
his legs were short; his thin, gray hair was unbrushed; his whiskers
were of the military cut then prescribed; his features were weather-
bronzed and care-furrowed; and he read almost inaudibly. It was
evident, however, that he was a popular favorite, and when he had
concluded the vociferous cheering of the assembled thousands was
answered by the firing of cannon and the music of the bands. His
praises were on all lips, and his soubriquets of "Rough and Ready"
and "Old Zach." were sounded with all honor.

The inaugural message showed that General Taylor regarded the Union
as in danger, and that he intended to use every possible exertion
for its preservation. Mr. Calhoun had requested, through Mr.
Clayton, that nothing should be said in the inaugural on this
subject, which had prompted the addition of a paragraph, in which
the incoming President declared that a dissolution of the Union
would be the greatest of calamities, and went on to say: "Whatever
dangers may threaten it, I shall stand by it, and maintain it in
its integrity, to the full extent of the obligations imposed and
the power conferred upon me by the Constitution."

In December, 1849, when Congress assembled, the President aroused
the violent opposition of Southern members by recommending, in his
message, that California be admitted as a free State, and that the
remaining Territories be allowed to form Const