I'm told that the oath was administered at 2:40 p.m. Mrs. Johnson and
Mrs. Kennedy were at my side as Judge Hughes administered the oath of
office.
The plane took off promptly after the swearing-in ceremonies. I
then called President Kennedy's mother, Mrs. Rose Kennedy. She had
previously been advised of the assassination. I told her of our grief
and of our sorrow for her. I gave the telephone to Mrs. Johnson, who
also tried to bring a word of comfort to the President's mother. I
then called Nellie Connally, the Governor's wife, and told her of our
concern for her and John, and tried to give her some comfort.
I then asked General Clifton, the military aide to the President, to
call McGeorge Bundy in Washington to instruct him to ask the Cabinet
members who were on their way to Japan to return immediately.
When we landed at the Andrews Air Force Base, I made a short statement
for the press, radio, and television. In my heart, I asked for God's
help that I should not prove unworthy of the responsibility which fate
had thrust upon me.