To force a vote on the main question, which is to pass H. R. 762.

On May 16, 1838, the House voted 103–94 (HR 762). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 98–7, Others 5–86, Independents 0–1. 7 members voted against their own party.

During the 25th Congress (1837–1838), Martin Van Buren was president.

Yes: 103
No: 94
Did not vote: 60
Date: May 16, 1838

By party

Democrats98 yes · 7 no · 29 didn’t vote
Others5 yes · 86 no · 31 didn’t vote
Independents0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

Archibald Yell D-AR voted no
William L. May D-IL voted no
Richard Fletcher D-MA voted no
Archibald Stuart D-VA voted no
James Garland D-VA voted no
James Murray Mason D-VA voted no
George Washington Hopkins D-VA voted no

How each representative voted: Yes

How each representative voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To force a vote on the main question, which…: House Vote, May 16, 1838,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/25-H-194/to-force-a-vote-on-the-main-question-which (accessed 2026-10-15).