To amend S. 79, by authorizing President to call for volunteers not exceeding 3000 to serve for 2 years (record says 12 months) unless sooner discharged. (JP.

On Feb 25, 1858, the Senate voted 26–25 (S 79). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 5–24, Republicans 18–0, Others 3–1. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 5 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: 26
No: 25
Did not vote: 22
Date: Feb 25, 1858

By party

Democrats5 yes · 24 no · 18 didn’t vote
Republicans18 yes · 0 no · 3 didn’t vote
Others3 yes · 1 no · 1 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

David Colbreth Broderick D-CA voted yes
Robert Augustus Toombs D-GA voted yes
Stephen Arnold Douglas D-IL voted yes
George Ellis Pugh D-OH voted yes
Andrew Johnson D-TN 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 amend S. 79, by authorizing President to…: Senate Vote, Feb 25…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-84/to-amend-s-79-by-authorizing-president-to-call (accessed 2026-10-17).