Second inauguration of Thomas Jefferson
Unlike the contentious election of 1800, in which Jefferson narrowly defeated strong opposition from Federalists and a bipartisan conspiracy to replace him with his own running mate and campaign manager, Aaron Burr, with the House of Representatives determining the winner, the 1804 election was far less dramatic.The Federalists, severely weakened, struggled to muster serious opposition and to select a candidate.Jefferson rode to the Capitol on horseback on March 4, 1805, but much of Congress had already left after the body had adjourned following Burr's farewell address before the Senate a couple of days earlier.The president spoke softly and quietly, as he was known for, and provided copies of his inaugural address.[2] Jefferson wore a black suit and silk stockings for the inauguration.