one of the tables to announce the result of the ballot, and John
Randolph, the teller of Virginia, was appointed to the same service
at the other table. The votes of most of the States were matters
of confident calculation, but those of others were in some degree
doubtful, and there was intense interest manifested as their votes
were counted. At last, when the twenty-four States had voted, Mr.
Webster announced, in his deep voice, that thirteen States had
voted for John Quincy Adams, seven States had voted for Andrew
Jackson, and four States had voted for William H. Crawford. Mr.
Speaker Clay then announced, in sonorous tones: "John Quincy Adams,
having received a majority of the votes cast, is duly elected
President of the United States for four years, from the 4th of
March next ensuing."

A shout arose from the occupants of the galleries, which Mr. McDuffie
promptly asked might be cleared. The vote was carried, and a young
man, who was Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms, mounting to the broad stone
cornice, which ran around the hall outside of the floor of the
galleries, but on a level with them, exclaimed, as he walked along:
"The Speaker orders the galleries to be cleared; all must retire.
Clear the galleries!" The command was obeyed, to the astonishment
of some of the foreign ministers present, who had been accustomed
to see armed guards at such assemblages, and often to witness their
unsuccessful attempts to move the populace. The House soon afterward
adjourned.

That evening President Monroe gave a public reception at the White
House, which had just been rebuilt after having been burned by the
British army--in 1814. The two candidates, Mr. Adams, the elect,
and General Jackson, the defeated, accidentally met in the East
Room. General Jackson, who was escorting a lady, promptly extended
his hand, saying pleasantly: "How do you do, Mr. Adams? I give
you my left hand, for the right, as you see, is devoted to the
fair. I hope you are very well, sir." All this was gallantly and
heartily said and done. Mr. Adams took the General's hand, and
said, with chilling coldness: "Very well, sir; I hope General
Jackson is well!" The military hero was genial and gracious, while
the unamiable diplomat was as cold as an iceberg.

The inauguration of Mr. Adams, on the 4th of March, 1825, was the
most imposing demonstration ever witnessed at Washington up to that
time. President Monroe called for his successor and they rod