ALS as Secretary of State, signed "James Madison," one page, 8 x 10, February 14, 1805. Letter to the Hon. George Clinton, in full: "By the direction of the President of the United States, I do my self the honor of transmitting to you the certificate of your election as Vice President of the United States." Docketed on the reverse in Clinton's hand: "14th March 1805, Letter from Secretary Maddison enclosing Certificate of Election of Vice Presid't of U.S." In fine condition.
Thomas Jefferson and George Clinton were declared elected as president and vice president by a Joint Session of Congress when the electoral votes were tabulated on February 13, 1805. Although Jefferson was the incumbent, Clinton replaced Aaron Burr as his vice president. Interestingly, Clinton was favored by Jefferson as he hoped that the aging Clinton, in his late 60s, would be too old to launch a presidential bid against Jefferson's preferred successor, Secretary of State James Madison, in 1808. Ultimately, Clinton would retain the vice presidential post under Madison until his death in 1812.
The day after electoral votes were tabulated, Secretary of State James Madison, acting on President Jefferson's orders, dutifully wrote to Clinton to enclose his certificate of election. Jefferson’s second inauguration would take place in the Senate Chamber of the Capitol on March 4th. Like other Founding Fathers, the great bulk of Madison’s letters and papers have been absorbed by institutions—for this reason, Madison's letters of historical significance are scarce and highly desirable.
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