As for accepting the cutting of the cherry tree, you're taking my very simplified explanation of a more complex concept and work, and using it out of context. I have no argument with you. The good historian takes all available evidence into account. Tradition is evidence, no matter how you look at it. In some–albeit rare–cases, tradition has proven more accurate than a contemporary account. I weighed the evidence available, and like many, many others, concluded the words were spoken. To me its not a terribly important point either way. But just as a suggestion, you might consider that we don't know what sources were available to the writer of the 1880 (or whenever it was) account of the inauguration. He may well have been looking at an eye-witness account, that has since been lost to us. We just don't know. In the case of the cherry tree, we have stronger counter-evidence to negate the fictional story.

By your reasoning, according to Fischer's book, we should credit George Washington with cutting down his father's cherry tree. Parson Weems was, at least, a house guest at Mount Vernon, whereas Bowen is not known to have ever met Washington during his earthly existence.

Eric also let me know that the same team who brought John Adams to us, is now working on a TV adaptation of McCullough's 1776. I'm excited for that!

Ray, thanks for pointing out that most presidents don't append anything to the oath of office as Washington did. One source I read suggested there have been many who followed Washington's lead, but you're right, that's not true.

As for no contemporary sources for his adding "So help me God," I'm sure you're familiar with David H. Fischer's book Historians Fallacies, in which–among many other things–he shows that a lack of evidence is not counter-evidence. This being true, I went with the best evidence we have available. Thanks for keeping me thorough though.

When it comes to Washington's laying his hand on the Masonic Bible and kissing it after completing the oath, he did not include that protocal during his second inauguration.