The Electoral College numbered 303; 202 votes therefore were necessary to a choice.

Voting for candidates was begun, and continued throughout all the next day (Wednesday, May 2).

Fifty-seven ballots were taken in all; Douglas received 145-1/2 on the first, and on several subsequent ballots his strength rose to 152-1/2.

The other votes were scattered among eight different candidates with no near approach to agreement.[1] The dead-lock having become unmistakable and irremediable, and the nomination of Douglas under existing conditions impossible, all parties finally consented to an adjournment, especially as it was evident that unless this were done the sessions would come to an end by mere disintegration.

Therefore, on the tenth day (May 3), the Charleston Convention formally adjourned, having previously resolved to reassemble on the 18th of June, in the city of Baltimore, with a recommendation that the several States make provision to fill the vacancies in their delegations.
Mr.Yancey and his seceders had meanwhile organized another convention in St.Andrew's Hall.