To adopt the resolution, that the sergeant-at-arms be authorized to employ a person in the service of the Senate in the place and at the same compensation of a.

On Dec 21, 1858, the Senate voted 13–29. Result: failed. By party: Democrats 8–19, Republicans 3–10, Others 2–0. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 11 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: 13
No: 29
Did not vote: 31
Date: Dec 21, 1858

By party

Democrats8 yes · 19 no · 20 didn’t vote
Republicans3 yes · 10 no · 8 didn’t vote
Others2 yes · 0 no · 3 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

James Dixon R-CT voted yes
Lafayette Sabine Foster R-CT voted yes
Martin Waltham Bates D-DE voted yes
George Wallace Jones D-IA voted yes
Graham Newell Fitch D-IN voted yes
Jesse David Bright D-IN voted yes
James Alfred Pearce D-MD voted yes
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted yes
John Renshaw Thomson D-NJ voted yes
James Fowler Simmons R-RI voted yes
Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter D-VA 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 adopt the resolution, that the…: Senate Vote, Dec 21, 1858,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-448/to-adopt-the-resolution-that-the-sergeant-at-arms (accessed 2026-10-16).