John Marshall appointed Chief Justice of the United States

Background. John Adams, the second U.S. president, faced a challenging reelection campaign in 1800 due to Federalist splits and Republican opposition. After losing to Thomas Jefferson, Adams remained in office during the lame-duck session. Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth resigned in late 1800 due to poor health, creating a vacancy that Adams sought to fill before Jefferson's inauguration.

Nomination and Confirmation. Adams nominated John Marshall, who had served as Secretary of State since June 1800, to replace Ellsworth. The Senate confirmed Marshall on January 27, 1801. This appointment occurred shortly before Jefferson took office, reflecting Adams's efforts to secure Federalist influence in the judiciary during the transition of power.

Political Context. The appointment took place amidst political turmoil. On January 23, 1801, the Senate voted 16–14 in favor of the Convention of 1800 treaty, falling four votes short of the two-thirds needed for ratification. In February 1801, the lame-duck Congress passed the Midnight Judges Act, and Adams departed the White House before Jefferson's inauguration on March 4, 1801.