To put the main question, which is to investigate the death of the hon. J. Cilley.

On Feb 28, 1838, the House voted 107–87. Result: passed. By party: Democrats 94–8, Others 13–78, Independents 0–1. 8 members voted against their own party.

During the 25th Congress (1837–1838), Martin Van Buren was president.

Yes: 107
No: 87
Did not vote: 63
Date: Feb 28, 1838

By party

Democrats94 yes · 8 no · 32 didn’t vote
Others13 yes · 78 no · 31 didn’t vote
Independents0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

William L. May D-IL voted no
Richard Fletcher D-MA voted no
Nathaniel Briggs Borden D-MA voted no
Benjamin Chew Howard D-MD voted no
George Coke Dromgoole D-VA voted no
James Garland D-VA voted no
John Mercer Patton D-VA voted no
James Murray Mason D-VA 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 put the main question, which is to…: House Vote, Feb 28, 1838,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/25-H-105/to-put-the-main-question-which-is-to-investigate (accessed 2026-10-17).