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131 Saturday, January 25, 1834

The President being absent, the Senate was called to order by the Secretary, who read the following communication, to wit. "Augusta, January 24th, 1834. Gentlemen of the Senate, Since the adjournment of the Senate, I have received the unpleasant intelligence of a loss of a portion of my property by fire, which obliges me to return home. I trust my absence will be but for a few days, and that the Senate will be kind enough, under these circumstances, to excuse me. I have the honor to be, most respectfully your obt servant, Joseph Williamson"

On motion of Mr. Cobb, ordered, that a Committee be raised to receive, sort, and count the votes for a President Pro tem.

Messrs. Cobb, Bridgham, and Farnsworth were appointed said Committee, who, having attended the duties assigned them, reported that the whole number of votes given in is 17 Necessary for a choice 9 Josiah Pierce has 15 Allen H. Cobb " 1 Jonathan Rogers " 1 and one blank vote.

Mr. Pierce was declared elected, signified his acceptance of the office of President Pro tem in an address and took the chair.