To order the main question on S. J. RES. 50, authorizing the opening of dead letters by agents of the post office department in california and oregon. (p.792-2

On Mar 3, 1851, the House voted 102–65 (SJR 50). Result: passed. By party: Others 78–11, Democrats 23–54, Independents 1–0. 23 members voted against their own party.

During the 31st Congress (1849–1850), Millard Fillmore was president.

Yes: 102
No: 65
Did not vote: 76
Date: Mar 3, 1851

By party

Others78 yes · 11 no · 34 didn’t vote
Democrats23 yes · 54 no · 42 didn’t vote
Independents1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

Franklin Welsh Bowdon D-AL voted yes
Edward Gilbert D-CA voted yes
Joseph Webber Jackson D-GA voted yes
Marshall Johnson Wellborn D-GA voted yes
Hugh Anderson Haralson D-GA voted yes
William Alexander Richardson D-IL voted yes
George Alfred Caldwell D-KY voted yes
Richard Henry Stanton D-KY voted yes
James Butler Bowlin D-MO voted yes
George Washington Morrison D-NH voted yes
Emery Davis Potter D-OH voted yes
William Augustus Whittlesey D-OH voted yes
Thomas Ross D-PA voted yes
Job Mann D-PA voted yes
Isaac Edward Holmes D-SC voted yes
John Houston Savage D-TN voted yes
Andrew Ewing D-TN voted yes
Frederick Perry Stanton D-TN voted yes
Richard Kidder Meade D-VA voted yes
Thomas Henry Bayly D-VA voted yes
James Mcdowell D-VA voted yes
James Madison Hite Beale D-VA voted yes
James Duane Doty D-WI 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 order the main question on S. J. RES. 50…: House Vote, Mar 3, 1851,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/31-H-571/to-order-the-main-question-on-s-j-res (accessed 2026-10-17).