To Thomas Jefferson from Timothy Pickering, 11 February 1797
From Timothy Pickering
Department of State
Philadelphia Feby. 11. 1797.
Sir
I have the honor to inform you, that pursuant to the request of the Senate communicated to him yesterday, the President of the United States has directed me to transmit to you the inclosed certificate, under the hand and seal of the present Vice-President, of your being elected, agreeably to the Constitution, Vice-President of the United States of America.
The bearer, Mr. Bloodworth, son of Timothy Bloodworth Esqr. Senator from North-Carolina, is specially charged with this dispatch. I have the honor to be with great respect sir, your most obt. servant,
Timothy Pickering
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esquire”; endorsed by TJ as received 24 Feb. 1797 and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in DNA: RG 59, DL). Enclosure: Certificate of TJ’s election, 10 Feb. 1797, signed by Adams as vice president of the United States and president of the Senate, notifying TJ that on 8 Feb. the Congress had convened, and in its presence the vice president had opened the certificates, counted the electoral votes, and determined TJ’s election (MS in MHi, in clerk’s hand except for signature by Adams, bearing seal).