To amend H. R. 243, by authorizing the secretary of war to sell to the post office department fire-arms as may be necessary to protect mail stages and emigrant

On Jun 8, 1858, the Senate voted 14–26 (HR 243). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 9–14, Republicans 4–10, Others 1–2. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 13 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: 14
No: 26
Did not vote: 33
Date: Jun 8, 1858

By party

Democrats9 yes · 14 no · 24 didn’t vote
Republicans4 yes · 10 no · 7 didn’t vote
Others1 yes · 2 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Benjamin Fitzpatrick D-AL voted yes
David Colbreth Broderick D-CA voted yes
William McKendree Gwin D-CA voted yes
Graham Newell Fitch D-IN voted yes
Henry Mower Rice D-MN voted yes
James Stephen Green D-MO voted yes
Trusten Polk D-MO voted yes
William Wright D-NJ voted yes
Preston King R-NY voted yes
William Henry Seward R-NY voted yes
Benjamin Franklin Wade R-OH voted yes
James Fowler Simmons R-RI voted yes
Arthur Peronneau Hayne D-SC 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 amend H. R. 243, by authorizing the…: Senate Vote, Jun 8, 1858,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-364/to-amend-h-r-243-by-authorizing-the-secretary (accessed 2026-10-17).