| Title | The Holy Bible, containing the Old and New testament. Translated out of the original tongues; and with the former translations diligently compared and revised, to his Majesty's special command. Appointed to be read in churches. |
| Artist/Maker | J. Smith (Publisher) |
| Date | 1826 |
| Medium | Paper |
| Dimensions | h. 7.06 x w. 4.5 x d. 2 in. (h. 17.93 x w. 11.43 x d. 5.08 cm) |
| Credit Line | U.S. Senate Collection |
| Accession Number | 14.00055.001 |
Printed in 1826, this King James Bible was purchased by Senate doorkeeper Simeon Bassett and was used to administer the oath of office to senators from 1827 to 1882. According his son, Assistant Doorkeeper Isaac Bassett (a Senate employee from 1831 to 1895), the Bible was kept on the vice president's table in the Old Senate Chamber. When the Senate moved to its present chamber in 1859, the Bible also moved and remained in use. It was retired by the president pro tempore for safekeeping in 1882. Among the prominent senators who took their oath of office on this Bible were Henry Clay, John Calhoun, Jefferson Davis, Sam Houston, and Daniel Webster.
