To amend S. 79, a bill to increase the military establishment of the United States, by providing to eliminate that hereafter regular promotions to vacancies occ

On Feb 18, 1858, the Senate voted 24–23 (S 79). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 7–20, Republicans 14–2, Others 3–1. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 9 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: 24
No: 23
Did not vote: 26
Date: Feb 18, 1858

By party

Democrats7 yes · 20 no · 20 didn’t vote
Republicans14 yes · 2 no · 5 didn’t vote
Others3 yes · 1 no · 1 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William McKendree Gwin D-CA voted yes
Robert Augustus Toombs D-GA voted yes
James Harlan R-IA voted no
Hannibal Hamlin R-ME voted no
Charles Edward Stuart D-MI voted yes
John Renshaw Thomson D-NJ voted yes
Philip Allen D-RI voted yes
James Murray Mason D-VA 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 amend S. 79, a bill to increase the…: Senate Vote, Feb 18, 1858,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-76/to-amend-s-79-a-bill-to-increase-the (accessed 2026-10-16).