To pass H.R. 691, a bill to authorize and aid in the construction of a railroad connecting the pacific railroad, in california, with the columbia river, in oreg

On Feb 27, 1865, the House voted 59–34 (HR 691). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 43–10, Democrats 9–21, Others 7–3. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 19 members voted against their own party.

During the 38th Congress (1863–1864), Abraham Lincoln was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 59
No: 34
Did not vote: 94
Date: Feb 27, 1865

By party

Republicans43 yes · 10 no · 33 didn’t vote
Democrats9 yes · 21 no · 43 didn’t vote
Others7 yes · 3 no · 18 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

James Falconer Wilson R-IA voted no
Elihu Benjamin Washburne R-IL voted no
John Rice Eden D-IL voted yes
James Cameron Allen D-IL voted yes
John Law D-IN voted yes
Godlove Stein Orth R-IN voted no
Henry Laurens Dawes R-MA voted no
John Benedict Steele D-NY voted yes
John Augustus Griswold D-NY voted yes
Calvin Tilden Hulburd R-NY voted no
Thomas Treadwell Davis R-NY voted no
Daniel Morris R-NY voted no
Francis Celeste Le Blond D-OH voted yes
Joseph Bailey D-PA voted yes
Archibald Mcallister D-PA voted yes
Jesse Lazear D-PA voted yes
Nathan Fellows Dixon R-RI voted no
Justin Smith Morrill R-VT voted no
Amasa Cobb R-WI voted no

How each representative voted: Yes

How each representative voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To pass H.R. 691, a bill to authorize and…: House Vote, Feb 27, 1865,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/38-H-556/to-pass-h-r-691-a-bill-to-authorize (accessed 2026-10-17).