To receive the petition to appoint a "committee on color" to whom should be referred all office holders and members of Congress for the examination of their res

On Jan 7, 1839, the House voted 25–115. Result: failed. By party: Democrats 4–74, Others 21–40, Independents 0–1. 4 members voted against their own party.

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

Yes: 25
No: 115
Did not vote: 117
Date: Jan 7, 1839

By party

Democrats4 yes · 74 no · 56 didn’t vote
Others21 yes · 40 no · 61 didn’t vote
Independents0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

Richard Fletcher D-MA voted yes
Francis Ormand Jonathan Smith D-ME voted yes
Jared Warner Williams D-NH voted yes
James Murray Mason D-VA voted yes

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 receive the petition to appoint a…: House Vote, Jan 7, 1839,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/25-H-385/to-receive-the-petition-to-appoint-a-committee-on (accessed 2026-10-17).