To proceed to consideration of the resolution, relating to a request to the President in regard to correspondence with great britain and nicaragua tin the matte

On Dec 16, 1858, the Senate voted 22–28. Result: failed. By party: Democrats 16–13, Republicans 4–13, Others 2–2. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 17 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: 22
No: 28
Did not vote: 23
Date: Dec 16, 1858

By party

Democrats16 yes · 13 no · 18 didn’t vote
Republicans4 yes · 13 no · 4 didn’t vote
Others2 yes · 2 no · 1 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William King Sebastian D-AR voted no
William McKendree Gwin D-CA voted no
George Wallace Jones D-IA voted no
Lyman Trumbull R-IL voted yes
Graham Newell Fitch D-IN voted no
John Slidell D-LA voted no
Henry Wilson R-MA voted yes
Charles Edward Stuart D-MI voted no
Jefferson Davis D-MS voted no
Daniel Clark R-NH voted yes
William Wright D-NJ voted no
Benjamin Franklin Wade R-OH voted yes
William Bigler D-PA voted no
Philip Allen D-RI voted no
James Henry Hammond D-SC voted no
Andrew Johnson D-TN voted no
Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter D-VA 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 proceed to consideration of the…: Senate Vote, Dec 16, 1858,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-444/to-proceed-to-consideration-of-the-resolution-relating-to (accessed 2026-10-17).