To amend H.R. 636, by authorizing the postmaster general to accept the lowest bid offered, not to exceed $22,000 a year, for weekly service to convey mails and

On Feb 27, 1857, the Senate voted 19–14 (HR 636). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 10–9, Others 8–5, Republicans 1–0. 9 members voted against their own party.

During the 34th Congress (1855–1856), Franklin Pierce was president.

Yes: 19
No: 14
Did not vote: 31
Date: Feb 27, 1857

By party

Democrats10 yes · 9 no · 20 didn’t vote
Others8 yes · 5 no · 11 didn’t vote
Republicans1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

Clement Claiborne Clay Jr. D-AL voted no
Robert Ward Johnson D-AR voted no
Robert Augustus Toombs D-GA voted no
John Slidell D-LA voted no
Asa Biggs D-NC voted no
David Settle Reid D-NC voted no
John Renshaw Thomson D-NJ voted no
James Murray Mason D-VA voted no
Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter D-VA voted no

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To amend H.R. 636, by authorizing the…: Senate Vote, Feb 27, 1857,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/34-S-401/to-amend-h-r-636-by-authorizing-the-postmaster (accessed 2026-10-16).