Tuesday, December 14.
The Vice President being absent, the Senate proceeded to the choice of a President, pro tempore, as the constitution provides, and the ballots being collected and counted, the whole number was found to be 17, of which 9 make a majority.
Mr. Bradley had 9, Mr. Tracy 7, Mr. Dayton 1.
Consequently, Stephen R. Bradley was elected President of the Senate, pro tempore.
The credentials of Mr. Plumer, appointed a Senator by the State of New Hampshire, to supply a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of James Sheafe, Esq., were read; and the oath prescribed by law was administered to him by the President.
Ordered, That the Secretary wait on the President of the United States, and acquaint him that a quorum of the Senate is assembled, and that, in the absence of the Vice President, they have elected Stephen R. Bradley, President of the Senate, pro tempore.
A similar notice was directed to be given to the House of Representatives, and also that the Senate are ready to proceed to business.
On motion, it was agreed to proceed to the choice of a Chaplain on the part of the Senate, and the ballots having been collected and counted, the whole number was 17, of which 9 is the majority.
Doctor Gantt had 10, Mr. M'Cormick 4, Mr. Priestley 2, Mr. Balch 1.
So it was Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Gantt be the Chaplain to Congress, on the part of the Senate, during the present session.