To take up h.j.r. 31, a resolution authorizing the President to confer title of lieutenant general by brevet and providing for compensation in such cases.

On Feb 28, 1857, the Senate voted 27–22 (HJR 31). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 10–21, Others 16–1, Republicans 1–0. 10 members voted against their own party.

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

Yes: 27
No: 22
Did not vote: 15
Date: Feb 28, 1857

By party

Democrats10 yes · 21 no · 8 didn’t vote
Others16 yes · 1 no · 7 didn’t vote
Republicans1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

John B. Weller D-CA voted yes
Robert Augustus Toombs D-GA voted yes
George Wallace Jones D-IA voted yes
Jesse David Bright D-IN voted yes
Lewis Cass D-MI voted yes
John Renshaw Thomson D-NJ voted yes
William Bigler D-PA voted yes
Charles Tillinghast James D-RI voted yes
James Murray Mason D-VA voted yes
Henry Dodge D-WI voted yes

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 take up h.j.r. 31, a resolution…: Senate Vote, Feb 28, 1857,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/34-S-404/to-take-up-h-j-r-31-a-resolution (accessed 2026-10-16).