To pass H.R. 711. (p. 912-1)

On Feb 9, 1859, the House voted 98–83 (HR 711). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 89–3, Republicans 3–71, Others 6–9. It was a party-line vote: most Democrats and most Republicans voted on opposite sides. 6 members voted against their own party.

During the 35th Congress (1857–1858), James Buchanan was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 98
No: 83
Did not vote: 64
Date: Feb 9, 1859

By party

Democrats89 yes · 3 no · 43 didn’t vote
Republicans3 yes · 71 no · 19 didn’t vote
Others6 yes · 9 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Williamson Robert Winfield Cobb D-AL voted no
Joseph Chambers Mckibbin D-CA voted no
Linus Bacon Comins R-MA voted yes
William Alanson Howard R-MI voted yes
Thomas Ruffin D-NC voted no
Justin Smith Morrill R-VT 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 pass H.R. 711. (p. 912-1): House Vote, Feb 9, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-H-445/to-pass-h-r-711-p-912-1 (accessed 2026-10-17).