To postpone special orders of the day and continue consideration of S. J. RES. 54, to change the plan of the custom house at galveston, texas.

On Jan 27, 1859, the Senate voted 23–29 (SJR 54). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 19–12, Republicans 2–14, Others 2–3. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 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: 23
No: 29
Did not vote: 21
Date: Jan 27, 1859

By party

Democrats19 yes · 12 no · 16 didn’t vote
Republicans2 yes · 14 no · 5 didn’t vote
Others2 yes · 3 no

Who broke with their party

Martin Waltham Bates D-DE voted no
Alfred Iverson Sr. D-GA voted no
George Wallace Jones D-IA voted no
James Alfred Pearce D-MD voted no
William Pitt Fessenden R-ME voted yes
James Shields D-MN voted no
James Stephen Green D-MO voted no
Trusten Polk D-MO voted no
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted no
William Henry Seward R-NY voted yes
George Ellis Pugh D-OH voted no
James Chesnut Jr. D-SC voted no
James Henry Hammond D-SC voted no
James Murray Mason D-VA 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 special orders of the day and…: Senate Vote, Jan 27, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-507/to-postpone-special-orders-of-the-day-and-continue (accessed 2026-10-17).