That the sergeant-at-arms be directed to request the attendance of absent senators, motion made during debate on S. 416. (p. 2004-3)

On May 9, 1860, the Senate voted 15–33. Result: failed. By party: Democrats 13–13, Republicans 2–20. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 15 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: 15
No: 33
Did not vote: 22
Date: May 9, 1860

By party

Democrats13 yes · 13 no · 15 didn’t vote
Republicans2 yes · 20 no · 5 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Clement Claiborne Clay Jr. D-AL voted no
Robert Ward Johnson D-AR voted no
William McKendree Gwin D-CA voted no
David Levy Yulee D-FL voted no
Stephen Arnold Douglas D-IL voted no
Hannibal Hamlin R-ME voted yes
Henry Mower Rice D-MN voted no
Trusten Polk D-MO voted no
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted no
William Henry Seward R-NY voted yes
William Bigler D-PA voted no
Alfred Osborn Pope Nicholson D-TN voted no
Andrew Johnson D-TN voted no
John Hemphill D-TX 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, “That the sergeant-at-arms be directed to…: Senate Vote, May 9, 1860,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/36-S-176/that-the-sergeant-at-arms-be-directed-to-request (accessed 2026-10-15).