The House proceeded, by ballot, to the choice of a Clerk, and, upon examining the ballots, it appeared that Patrick Magruder was duly elected, and the oath, together with the oath of office, administered by the Speaker to the Clerk.
Thomas Dunn was then re-elected Sergeant-at-Arms, and Thomas Claxton, Doorkeeper, without opposition. Benjamin Burch was also chosen Assistant Doorkeeper.
The usual messages were interchanged with the Senate on the subject of their being formed and ready to proceed to business.
Mr. Mitchill and Mr. Pitkin were appointed a committee on the part of the House, jointly with the committee appointed on the part of the Senate, to wait on the President of the United States, and inform him that a quorum of the two Houses is assembled, and ready to receive any communications he may be pleased to make to them.
Mr. Mitchill, from the joint committee appointed to wait on the President of the United States, reported that the committee had performed the service assigned to them, and that the President answered, that he would make a communication to Congress to-morrow at twelve o'clock.
Tuesday, November 5.
Several other members, to wit, Abner Lacock, from Pennsylvania; John Baker, from Virginia; and Richard Wynn from South Carolina, appeared, produced their credentials, were qualified, and took their seats.
On motion of Mr. Newton, the Clerk of the House was directed to procure newspapers from any number of offices that the members may elect, provided that the expense do not exceed the amount of three daily papers.
A Message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Edward Coles; his Secretary, who delivered the same and withdrew. [For which see Senate proceedings of this date, ante page [401].]
The Message having been read, and the documents accompanying it in part, an adjournment was called for, and carried.