To pass a resolution concerning MR. H. J. Ramsdell, and his refusal to present to the Senate a satisfactory answer for not divulging his source for the copy of

On May 18, 1871, the Senate voted 23–14. Result: passed. By party: Republicans 25–9, Democrats 2–9. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 11 members voted against their own party.

During the 42nd Congress (1871–1872), Ulysses S. Grant was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 23
No: 14
Did not vote: 30
Date: May 18, 1871

By party

Republicans25 yes · 9 no · 22 didn’t vote
Democrats2 yes · 9 no · 7 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

James Harlan R-IA voted no
Oliver Hazard Perry Throck Morton R-IN voted no
Garrett Davis D-KY voted yes
Charles Sumner R-MA voted no
Henry Wilson R-MA voted no
William Windom R-MN voted no
Thomas Weston Tipton R-NE voted no
Reuben Eaton Fenton R-NY voted no
William Sprague R-RI voted no
Henry Cooper D-TN voted yes
Morgan Calvin Hamilton R-TX 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 pass a resolution concerning MR. H. J…: Senate Vote, May 18, 1871,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/42-S-78/to-pass-a-resolution-concerning-mr-h-j-ramsdell (accessed 2026-10-16).