Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 44.djvu/27

Mr. Crockett said he would not consent to a free and open discussion of the matter, for it involved interests too dear to the country to be dallied with in public. He moved to lay the resolution on the table, and not allow it to be printed. This was agreed to.

A message was here received from the Senate, announcing the appointment of Messrs. Orr, of South Carolina, and Sparrow, of Louisiana, to act as tellers in counting the votes for President and Vice-President.

Mr. Royston, of Arkansas, ofifered a resolution that the Clerk be allowed to draw on the contingent fund for $500 to provide stationery for the House, and to pay for the same. Laid on the table.

On motion of Mr. Bonham, of South Carolina, the House took a recess until the hour of one o'clock, to prepare for the reception of the Senate.

JOINT SESSION

The House having again been called to order, the presence of the Senate was announced, and that body having been seated, Mr. Hunter, of Virginia, the President of the Senate, taking a seat beside the Speaker, proceeded to open the votes, which were announced by the teller as follows :

Alabama, 11; Arkansas, 6; Florida, 4; Georgia, 12; Louisiana, 8; Mississippi, 9; North Carolina, 12; South Carolina, 8; Tennessee, 13; Texas, 8; Virginia, 18; making in all 109 votes. All of which electoral votes were cast for Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, for President; and Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, for Vice-President.

They were therefore declared by the presiding officer of the joint session, Mr. Hunter, as duly elected severally President and Vice-President of the Confederate States of America.

The Senate thereupon retired to its chamber.

Mr. Kenner, of Louisiana, submitted a resolution that a committee be appointed on the part of the House to act in conjunction with that of the Senate, to inform the President and Vice-