General Grant had conceived so intense a dislike of Johnson, by reason of the effort to place him in a false position in connection with the removal of Stanton, that he would not officially recognize his predecessor, even so far as to drive from the White House to the Capitol in the same carriage.
The Inaugural Address of the President was brief and characteristic.
"I have," said he, "taken the oath of office without mental reservation, and with the determination to do to the best of my ability all that it requires of me.

The responsibilities of the position I feel, but accept them without fear.

The office has come to me unsought.

I commence its duties untrammeled.

I bring to it a conscientious desire and determination to fill it to the best of my ability, and to the satisfaction of the people." He declared that on all subjects he should have "a policy to recommend, but none to enforce against the will of the people.