Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 2 (of 16)

by United States. Congress

The members of the respective States then proceeded to ballot, in the manner prescribed by the rule aforesaid, and the tellers appointed by the States, respectively, having put duplicates of their votes into the general ballot boxes prepared for the purpose, the votes contained therein were taken out and counted, and the result being reported to the Speaker, he declared to the House that the votes of eight States had been given for Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia; the votes of six States for Aaron Burr, of New York; and that the votes of two States were divided.

The constitution of the United States requiring that the votes of nine States should be necessary to constitute a choice of President of the United States, a motion was made and seconded, that the ballot for the President be repeated in one hour; and, the question being taken by States, it passed in the negative.

The States then proceeded, in the manner aforesaid, to a second ballot; and, upon examination of the ballot boxes, it appeared that the votes of eight States had been given for Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia; and the votes of six States for Aaron Burr, of New York; and that the votes of two States were divided.

The States then proceeded in like manner to a third ballot; and, upon examination thereof, the result was declared to be the same.

The States then proceeded in like manner to a fourth ballot; and, upon examination thereof, the result was declared to be the same.

The States then proceeded in like manner to a fifth ballot; and, upon examination thereof, the result was declared to be the same.

The States then proceeded in like manner to a sixth ballot; and, upon examination thereof, the result was declared to be the same.

The States then proceeded in like manner to a seventh ballot; and, upon examination thereof, the result was declared to be the same.

A motion was then made and seconded, that the States proceed again to ballot in one hour; and, the question being taken thereupon, it was resolved in the affirmative—the votes of the States being ayes 12, noes 4.