To postpone until tomorrow S. 287 (app. 6/14/1858), a bill for the relief of sherlock and shirley. (p.2260-61)

On May 20, 1858, the Senate voted 27–16 (S 287). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 15–11, Republicans 11–3, Others 1–2. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 14 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: 27
No: 16
Did not vote: 30
Date: May 20, 1858

By party

Democrats15 yes · 11 no · 21 didn’t vote
Republicans11 yes · 3 no · 7 didn’t vote
Others1 yes · 2 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Benjamin Fitzpatrick D-AL voted no
William McKendree Gwin D-CA voted no
James Dixon R-CT voted no
David Levy Yulee D-FL voted no
Robert Augustus Toombs D-GA voted no
George Wallace Jones D-IA voted no
Jesse David Bright D-IN voted no
Judah Philip Benjamin D-LA voted no
John Renshaw Thomson D-NJ voted no
William Henry Seward R-NY voted no
Benjamin Franklin Wade R-OH voted no
George Ellis Pugh D-OH voted no
Philip Allen D-RI voted no
James Pinckney Henderson D-TX 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 postpone until tomorrow S. 287 (app…: Senate Vote, May 20, 1858,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-266/to-postpone-until-tomorrow-s-287-app-6-14 (accessed 2026-10-16).