I'm thinking those first moments alone in the Oval Office must be pretty profound for every new U.S. president. No word on what Bush's note said, but wouldn't you just love to know?

For Immediate Release January 21, 2009

Below is a statement from White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

At 8:35 AM, the President arrived in the Oval Office and spent 10 minutes alone in the office. He read the note left to him by President Bush that was in an envelope marked "To: #44, From: #43". At 8:45 AM, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel came in to discuss the schedule of today's events. The First Lady came into the Oval Office at 9:10 AM. We will release a picture shortly.
---