Whereupon, the Senate proceeded to the choice of a President pro tempore, as the constitution provides; and the Honorable Joseph Anderson was elected.
Ordered, That the Secretary wait on the President of the United States, and acquaint him that, the Vice President being absent, the Senate have elected the Honorable Joseph Anderson President of the Senate pro tempore.
Ordered, That the Secretary notify the same to the House of Representatives.
Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of the Senate be presented to Aaron Burr, in testimony of the impartiality, dignity, and ability, with which he has presided over their deliberations, and of their entire approbation of his conduct in discharge of the arduous and important duties assigned him as President of the Senate.
Ordered, That Messrs. Smith of Maryland, and White, be a committee to communicate to him this resolution.
Sunday, March 3.
Reply of Vice President Burr to the Vote of Thanks.
Mr. Smith of Maryland, from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported that they had waited on the Vice President, agreeably to the resolution of yesterday, to which he made the following reply:
To the Senate of the United States:
Gentlemen: Next to the satisfaction derived from the consciousness of having discharged my duty, is that which arises from the favorable opinion of those who have been the constant witnesses of my official conduct; and the value of this flattering mark of their esteem is greatly enhanced by the promptitude and unanimity with which it is offered.