[C] In this return, the votes are not certified to have been given by ballot, but agreeably to law.
After the returns had been all examined, without any objection having been made to receiving any of the votes, Mr. S. Smith, on behalf of the tellers, communicated to the President the foregoing result, which was read from the Chair; when, the Vice President said, upon this report it becomes my duty to declare, agreeably to the constitution, that Thomas Jefferson is elected President of the United States, for the term of four years from the third day of March next, and that George Clinton is elected Vice President of the United States, for the term of four years from the third day of March next.
[Previous to the above proceedings, a short debate arose in the Senate on the keeping of the doors open or shut during the counting of the votes. Mr. Wright submitted a motion for their being kept open, which, after some opposition, was agreed to.]
Saturday, February 16.
Absent Members.
A motion was made,
“That a call of the Senate take place every morning at the hour to which the Senate is adjourned, and that absent members be not permitted to take their seats until a satisfactory excuse be made, or the opinion of the Senate be had thereon.”
Wednesday, February 20.
Tripolitan War.
The following Message was received from the President of the United States: