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Washington's second inaugural address in 1793 was the shortest on record. At just 135 words, it was barely more than the oath of office itself. Here's the text: Fellow Citizens: I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been reposed in me by the people of united America. Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the Constitution requires an oath of office. This oath I am now about to take, and in your presence: That if it shall be found during my administration of the Government I have in any instance violated willingly or knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may (besides incurring constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony. Why did Washington keep things so brief? There's speculation that his lifelong dental troubles and ill-fitting dentures may have made speaking difficult. For comparison, the longest inaugural address was by William Henry Harrison in 1841, at 8,445 words.
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