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Inaugural Documents and Documents related to the Slaves Who Built the White House and U.S. Captiol

These documents were presented at a Media Preview on December 10, 2008, at the National Archives in Washington, DC.

An exhibition Taking the Oath, will be displayed to the public January 12 through January 25, 2009, and will include the documents below.

Presidential Oath of Office Documents

Documents that show President George Washington’s thoughts on the Presidential oath of office.

First printed copy of the draft Constitution, August 6, 1787, annotated by George Washington and others
National Archives, Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention

Official Journal of the Constitutional Convention, August 27, 1787
National Archives, Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention

Letter from President-elect George Washington to Henry Knox, April 10, 1789
National Archives, Records of the Department of State
Read the document transcript.

Draft of note from President George Washington to his Cabinet concerning plans for taking of the presidential oath, February 27, 1793
National Archives, Records of the Department of State
Read the document transcript.


Documents Relating to Slaves who built the White House and U.S. Capitol

Documents showing that slave labor was used to build the White House and U.S. Capitol.

Voucher for James Clagett for payment for work by Negro George for five months and three days (July-December 1794) at the President's House.
National Archives, Records of the Commissioners of the City of Washington (Record Group 217).

Monthly Payroll for Laborers at the President's House, December 1794.
National Archives, Records of the Commissioners of the City of Washington (Record Group 217).

Monthly Payroll for Carpenters and Joiners at the President's House, February 1795.
National Archives, Records of the Commissioners of the City of Washington (Record Group 217).

Monthly payroll of Carpenters and Joiners at the Capitol, June 1795.
National Archives, Records of the Commissioners of the City of Washington (Record Group 217).

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