From Samuel Allyne Otis to John Adams, 23 February 1795
From Samuel Allyne Otis
Philada: Feb 23d 1795
Dear Sir
Probably this will find you very happy with your Lady & family, to whom the residents at 198 desire kind remembrances— We had a curious election of pro tem— Mr Izard had in no trial more than one or two votes— The first tryal the Candidates were Livermore Langdon & Tazewel. The 2d trial Livermore carried it. Who declined— A 3d trial was made and Tazewell & Langdon became candidates. The 4th time Tazewell had a majority.1 He is a man of education and a gentleman and will probably discharge himself handsomely— Whether chastisment or alurement would have been best on the present occasion I am not possitive, but rather fear this will make the subject incorrigible.
The treaty continues to be expected, whilst the ordinary business is various & pressing.
your friends continue to regret your early departure, but I hope another year, as you are determined to bring Mrs Adams with you, you will continue the Session.
I have the honor to be / Your most obedient / humble Sert
Sam A. Otis
RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “The Vice President / of the United States.”
1. With JA’s exit to Quincy, the Senate needed to elect a president pro tempore. Ultimately they selected Henry Tazewell (1753–1799), of Brunswick County, Va., William and Mary 1770, who steered the daily proceedings until JA’s return in early June. Lawyer Samuel Livermore (1732–1803), originally from Waltham, Mass., Princeton 1752, represented New Hampshire in the Senate from 1793 to 1801 ().