IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, February 14, 1793. ("Annals of Congress," 2d Cong., pp. 875, 876.) A message from the Senate informed the House. . . . that the Senate have agreed to a resolution for the appointment of a committee, jointly, with a committee on the part of this House, to wait on the President, and to notify him of his unanimous reëlection to the office of President of the United States. Mr. William Smith, from the committee appointed to join such committee as may be appointed on the part of the Senate, to ascertain and report the mode of examining the votes for President and Vice-President of the United States, and for other purposes expressed in the resolution of the 5th instant, made a report, which was twice read, and agreed to by the House as follows: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to join such committee as may be appointed by the Senate to wait on the President and to notify him of his unanimous reëlection to the office of President of the United States. Ordered, That Mr. William Smith, Mr. Madison, and Mr. Lawrance be of the said committee on the part of this House. THIRD PRESIDENTIAL TERM, 1797-1801. JOHN ADAMS, President; THOMAS JEFFERSON, Vice-President. IN SENATE, Monday, January 30, 1797. IN SENATE. Thursday, February 2, 1797. ("Annals of Congress," 4th Cong., 2d Session, p. ("Annals of Congress," 4th Cong., 2d Session, pp. 1536.) Mr. Sedgwick reported from the joint committee appointed on the part of the Senate, on the subject of the election of President and Vice-President, that, in their opinion, the following resolution ought to be adopted, viz.: "That the two Houses shall assemble in the Chamber of the House of Representatives on Wednesday next, at twelve o'clock; that one person be appointed a teller on the part of the Senate, to make a list of the votes as they shall be declared; that the result shall be delivered to the President of the Senate, who shall announce the state of the vote, and the persons elected, to the two Houses assembled as aforesaid, which shall be deemed a declaration of the persons elected President and Vice-President, and together with a list of votes, be entered on the journals of the two Houses." On motion it was agreed to adopt the report, and that Mr. Sedgwick be the teller of the votes on the part of the Senate. IN SENATE. Friday, February 3, 1797. ("Annals of Congress," 4th Cong., 2d Session, p. 1540.) A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that they have agreed to the report of the joint committee upon the mode of examining the votes for President and Vice-President of the United States, and have appointed tellers of the votes on their part. IN SENATE. Wednesday, February 8, 1797. ("Annals of Congress," 4th Cong., 2d Session, pp. 1542-1545.) For OLIVER ELLSWORTH. Rhode Island... A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that they are ready to meet the Senate in the Chamber of that House, agreeably to the report of the joint North Carolina..... committee, to attend the opening and examining the votes of the electors for President and Vice-President of the United States, as the Constitution provides. 11 For SAMUEL JOHNSTON. Massachusetts..... 2 For JAMES IREDELL. For JOHN JAY. Connecticut...... 5 For GEORGE CLINTON. Georgia. The two Houses of Congress accordingly assembled in the Representatives' Chamber, and the certificates of the electors of sixteen States were, by the Vice-President, opened and delivered to the tellers appointed for the purpose, who, having examined and ascertained the number of votes, presented a list Virginia... thereof to the Vice-President, which was read, as follows: For GEORGE WASHINGTON. North Carolina.. For CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY. 2 2 Whereupon, the Vice-President addressed 7 the two Houses of Congress, as follows: 12 9 4 In obedience to the Constitution and law of the United States, and to the commands of both Houses of Congress, expressed in their 4 resolution passed in the present session, I now 6 declare that: 16 8 11 20 4 John Adams is elected President of the United States, for four years, to commence with the fourth day of March next; and that: Thomas Jefferson is elected Vice-President 4 of the United States, for four years, to commence with the fourth day of March next. And may the Sovereign of the Universe, the ordainer of civil government on earth, for the 14 preservation of liberty, justice, and peace, among men, enable both to discharge the duties of these offices conformably to the Constitution of the United States, with conscientious diligence, punctuality, and perseverance. The Vice-President then delivered the votes of the electors to the Secretary of the Senate, 8 the two Houses of Congress separated, and 2 the Senate returned to their own Chamber, 68 4 1 1 Virginia.... Maryland.. Connecticut.. Massachusetts.. Vermont Tennessee.. 3 Kentucky... North Carolina 6 Pennsylvania.. 13 80 For SAMUEL ADAMS. Virginia...... just now been read from your Journal by your Secretary, I have judged it proper to give notice that, on the 4th of March next, at 12 o'clock, I propose to attend again the Chamber of the House of Representatives, in order to take the oath prescribed by the Constitution of the United States to be taken by the President, to be administered by the Chief Justice or such other Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States as can most conveniently attend; and, in case none of those Judges can attend, by the Judge of the District of Pennsylvania, before such Senators and Representatives of the United States as may find it convenient to honor the transaction with their presence. Ordered, That the Secretary carry an attested copy of this communication to the House of Representatives. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that they have agreed to the report of the joint committee appointed to ascertain and report a mode of examining the votes for President and VicePresident of the United States, and of notifying the persons elected of their election. before the President of the United States a copy of the Journal of yesterday, relative to the opening and counting the votes for President and Vice-President of the United States, and the declaration of the President of the Senate thereon; and, also, to present to the President of the United States a copy of the notification given by the President-elect of the time, place, and manner of qualifying to execute the duties of his office." Ordered, That the motion lie until to-morrow for consideration. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that they have rescinded their resolution on the report of the joint committee on the mode of notifying the Vice-President elect of his election, and have agreed to the conference proposed by the Senate on the subject, and have appointed managers at the same on their part. IN SENATE. Friday, February 10, 1797. ("Annals of Congress," 4th Cong., 2d Session, pp. 1546, 1547.) to commence with the 4th day of March next. Mr. Sedgwick, from the joint committee to whom it was referred to join such committee The Senate resumed the consideration of the as might be appointed by the House of Repre- motion made yesterday, that the Secretary of sentatives to ascertain and report a mode of the Senate wait on the President of the United examining the votes for President and Vice- States, and notify him of the election of PresiPresident of the United States, and of notify-dent and Vice-President of the United States, ing the persons elected of their election, reported that, having further concurred with the committee appointed by the House of Representatives, that, in their opinion, the following resolution ought to be adopted by the Senate: "Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate be directed to give, by letter, to the VicePresident elect, a notification of his election." On motion, it was agreed to insert President of the Senate instead of the Secretary; and On motion, it was agreed to reconsider the resolution, and to recommit the report from the joint committee. Mr. Sedgwick reported, from the joint committee last mentioned, that the committee on the part of the House of Representatives considered themselves discharged from their commission. Resolved, That the Senate disagree to the report of the joint committee on the mode of notifying the Vice-President elect of his election; and that a committee be appointed on the part of the Senate, to confer with such committee as may be appointed on the part of the House of Representatives, on the report of the joint committee above mentioned; and that Messrs. Sedgwick, Lawrance, and Read be the managers at the conference on the part of the Senate. Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives therewith. On motion, that it be "Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate be directed, and he is hereby directed, to lay On motion, to insert "a committee" in place of "the Secretary," it passed in the negative. And the motion being amended, was adopted as follows: Ordered, That the Secretary of the Senate lay before the President of the United States a copy of the Journal of the 8th instant, relative to the opening and counting the votes for President and Vice-President of the United States, and the declaration of the President of the Senate consequent thereon; and, also, a copy of the notification given by the Presidentelect of the time, place, and manner of qualifying to execute the duties of his office. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that they agree to the report of the joint committee appointed by the two Houses to confer on a proper mode of notifying the Vice-President elect of his election." Mr. Sedgwick, from the committee of conference above mentioned, reported that the following resolution should be adopted by the House of Representatives: "Resolved, That the notification of the election of the Vice-President elect be made by such person and in such manner as the Senate may direct." On motion, that it be "Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to communicate (in such manner as he shall judge most proper) to the person elected Vice-President of the United States, for the term of four years, to commence | dent and Vice-President, and to appoint a 4th day of March next, information of his said election." It passed in the negative. time and place for administering the oath of office to the President, was taken up, read a second time, and a committee of three memOrdered, That the resolution this day agreed bers, viz., Mr. Sitgreaves, Mr. Jeremiah to by the House of Representatives, relative to Smith, and Mr. Parker, were appointed acthe notification of the election of the Vice-cordingly, to act in conjunction with the comPresident elect, be referred to Messrs. Mason, mittee appointed by the Senate. Hillhouse, and Sedgwick, to consider and report thereon to the Senate. Mr. Mason reported from the committee last appointed; and, the report being read, was amended and adopted as follows: Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause to be transmitted to Thomas Jefferson, Esq., of Virginia, VicePresident elect of the United States, notification of his election to that office; and that the President of the Senate do make out and sign a certificate in the words following: "Be it known, that the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, being convened in the city of Philadelphia, on the second Wednesday of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, the underwritten Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate did, in the presence of the said Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and count all the votes of the electors for a President and for a VicePresident; by which it appears that Thomas Jefferson, Esq., was duly elected, agreeably to the Constitution, Vice-President of the United States of America. "In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 10th day of February, IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, January 31, 1797. ("Annals of Congress," 4th Cong., 2d Session, P. 2031.) A message was received from the Senate, informing the House that they had appointed a joint committee, viz., Messrs. Sedgwick, Lawrance, and Read, to act in conjunction with a committee to be appointed by the House of Representatives, to ascertain and fix the mode of examining the votes of the electors for President and Vice-President of the United States, etc., and to regulate the time and manner of administering the oaths of office to the President and Vice-President of the United States. IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, February 1, 1797. ("Annals of Congress," 4th Cong., 2d Session, p. 2057.) The résolution received from the Senate yesterday relative to the appointment of a committee to ascertain the election of Presi IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ("Annals of Congress," 4th Cong., 2d Session, p. 2060.) A message was received from the Senate informing the House that, conformable to rule, they had appointed Mr. Sedgwick on their part, teller of the votes for President and Vice-President. IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (" Annals of Congress," 4th Cong., 2d Session, pp. 2063, 2064.) Mr. Sitgreaves from the committee appointed on the part of this House, jointly with a committee appointed on the part of the Senate, to ascertain and report a mode of examining the votes for President and Vice-President, and of notifying the persons elected of their election, and to regulate the time, place, and manner of administering the oath of office to the President, made a report, in part, which he delivered in at the Clerk's table, where the same was twice read, and agreed to by the House, as follows: "That the two Houses shall assemble in the Chamber of the House of Representatives on Wednesday next at 12 o'clock. That two persons be appointed tellers, on the part of this House, to make a list of the votes as they shall be declared: That the result shall be delivered to the President of the Senate, who shall announce the state of the vote, and the persons elected, to the two Houses assembled as aforesaid; which shall be deemed a declaration of the persons elected President and Vice-President; and, together with a list of the votes, be entered on the Journals of the two Houses." Resolved, That Mr. Sitgreaves and Mr. Parker be appointed tellers on the part of this House, pursuant to the said report. IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, February 8, 1797. ("Annals of Congress," 4th Cong., 2d Session, pp. 2095-2099.) The Speaker informed the House that the hour was come at which they had appointed to meet the Senate for the purpose of counting the votes for and declaring the election of a President and Vice-President of the United States, and that the Clerk would inform the For GEORGE WASHINGTON. North Carolina.... For THOMAS PINCKNEY. South Carolina.. The Clerk accordingly waited upon the Virginia.......... Senate, and the President and members of the Senate soon after entered and took their seats, the President on the right hand of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the members of the Senate on the same side of the Chamber, when the President of the Senate (Mr. Adams) thus addressed the two Houses. Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: The purpose for which we are assembled is expressed in the following resolutions. (Mr. Adams here read the resolutions which had been adopted by the two Houses relative to the subject.) I have received packets containing the certificates of the votes of the electors for a President and Vice-President of the United States from all the sixteen States of the Union. I have also received duplicates of the returns by post from fifteen of the States. No duplicate from the State of Kentucky is yet come to hand. It has been the practice heretofore, on similar occasions, to begin with the returns from the State at one end of the United States and to proceed to the other; I shall therefore do the same at this time. North Carolina.. Connecticut. Tennessee.. Kentucky. Virginia.................. For AARON BURR. 3 4 6 1 3 Rhode Island.. 13 For SAMUEL ADAMS. 15 For OLIVER ELLSWORTH. 4 f 11 Mr. Adams then took the packet from the State of Tennessee, and after having read the superscription, broke the seal and read the certificate of the election of the electors. He then gave it to the Clerk of the Senate, requesting him to read the report of the electors, North Carolina..... which he accordingly did. All the papers were then handed to the tellers, viz., Mr. Sedgwick, on the part of the Senate, and Messrs. Sitgreaves and Parker, on the part of the House of Representatives; and when they had noted the contents, the President of the Senate proceeded with the other States in the following order; The President of the Senate then thus ad6 dressed the two Houses: Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives: By the report which has been made to me by the tellers appointed by the two Houses to 3 examine the votes, there are 71 votes for John Adams, 68 for Thomas Jefferson, 59 for Thomas 8 Pinckney, 30 for Aaron Burr, 15 for Samuel 11 Adams, 11 for Oliver Ellsworth, 7 for George 20 Clinton, 5 for John Jay, 3 for James Iredell, 2 for George Washington, 2 for John Henry, 2 for Samuel Johnston, and 1 for Charles C. 68 Pinckney. The whole number of votes are 4 4 14 |