To go into executive session, motion made during consideration of S. 151, a bill to confiscate the property and free the slaves of rebels. (p. 1783-1)

On Apr 23, 1862, the Senate voted 19–19. Result: failed. By party: Republicans 10–15, Democrats 6–1, Others 3–3. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 11 members voted against their own party.

During the 37th Congress (1861–1862), Abraham Lincoln was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 19
No: 19
Did not vote: 35
Date: Apr 23, 1862

By party

Democrats6 yes · 1 no · 22 didn’t vote
Republicans10 yes · 15 no · 11 didn’t vote
Others3 yes · 3 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

James Alexander Mcdougall D-CA voted no
James Dixon R-CT voted yes
Lafayette Sabine Foster R-CT voted yes
Orville Hickman Browning R-IL voted yes
Charles Sumner R-MA voted yes
William Pitt Fessenden R-ME voted yes
Daniel Clark R-NH voted yes
Edgar Cowan R-PA voted yes
Jacob Collamer R-VT voted yes
Solomon Foot R-VT voted yes
James Rood Doolittle R-WI 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 go into executive session, motion made…: Senate Vote, Apr 23, 1862,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/37-S-264/to-go-into-executive-session-motion-made-during-consideration (accessed 2026-10-14).