From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel A. Otis, 14 May 1800
To Samuel A. Otis
Philadelphia May 14. 1800.
Dear Sir
It has been usual for the Vice-president to retire before the close of the session in order to give the Senate an opportunity of appointing a President pro tempore. in conformity with that usage, and this being the last day of the session, I ask the favor of that honorable body to excuse my further attendance, and to accept the homage of my dutiful respects.
I am with esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient humble servt
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); at foot of text: “The honble Saml. A. Otis Secretary of the Senate.”
On 14 May, the last day of the session, the Senate chose Uriah Tracy to serve as President pro tempore (, 3:96).
Letters from TJ to Otis of 27 Aug. 1797 and 14 Dec. 1798, recorded in SJL, have not been found. Eight letters from Otis to TJ, written between 7 July 1797 and 25 May 1800, are also missing.