To pass H.R. 950 (12 stat 177, 3/2/1861), providing that the postmaster general is authorized to discontinue postal service on such routes as he determines that

On Feb 6, 1861, the House voted 131–27 (HR 950). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 94–0, Democrats 22–18, Others 15–9. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 18 members voted against their own party.

During the 36th Congress (1859–1860), James Buchanan was president, and Republicans held the House majority and Democrats the Senate majority.

Yes: 131
No: 27
Did not vote: 86
Date: Feb 6, 1861

By party

Democrats22 yes · 18 no · 47 didn’t vote
Republicans94 yes · 0 no · 24 didn’t vote
Others15 yes · 9 no · 15 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William Gustavus Whiteley D-DE voted no
William Ellis Niblack D-IN voted no
William Hayden English D-IN voted no
Henry Cornelius Burnett D-KY voted no
William Emmett Simms D-KY voted no
Jacob Michael Kunkel D-MD voted no
John Richard Barret D-MO voted no
John Bullock Clark D-MO voted no
John Smith Phelps D-MO voted no
Thomas Ruffin D-NC voted no
Warren Winslow D-NC voted no
Francis Burton Craige D-NC voted no
James Houston Thomas D-TN voted no
John Vines Wright D-TN voted no
William Tecumsah Avery D-TN voted no
Roger Atkinson Pryor D-VA voted no
Albert Gallatin Jenkins D-VA voted no
Henry Alonzo Edmundson 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 pass H.R. 950 (12 stat 177, 3/2/1861)…: House Vote, Feb 6, 1861,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/36-H-359/to-pass-h-r-950-12-stat-177-3 (accessed 2026-10-17).