Page:A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Confederacy, Including the Diplomatic Correspondence, 1861-1865, Volume I.djvu/57

 FIRST SESSION. ASSEMBLED AT MONTGOMERY, ALA., FEBRUARY 4, 1861. ADJOURNED MARCH 16, 1861, TO MEET SECOND MONDAY IN MAY.

ELECTION OF PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT. Saturday, February 9, 1861.

Congress met pursuant to adjournment.

An appropriate prayer was offered up by the Rev. Dr. Basil Manly.

The Chair announced that the first business in order was the administration of the oath to the deputies to support the Constitution of the Provisional Government.

Whereupon Judge Richard W. Walker, of the supreme court of the State of Alabama, administered the oath to the President, and the President administered the oath to the members of Congress.

The oath thus taken was as follows:

You do solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution for the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America, so help you God.

At the suggestion of Mr. Memminger, while the oath was being administered all the members stood upon their feet.

The Congress then proceeded to the election of a President and a Vice President for the Provisional Government.

Mr. Curry moved that two tellers be appointed to conduct said election, which was agreed to. 2