To pass H. R. 45, a bill to define and punish certain conspiracies, namely the infringment by some of the free states of the fugitive slave law. (p.130-3)

On Jul 15, 1861, the House voted 123–7 (HR 45). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 76–5, Democrats 30–2, Others 17–0. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 7 members voted against their own party.

During the 37th Congress (1861–1862), Abraham Lincoln was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 123
No: 7
Did not vote: 69
Date: Jul 15, 1861

By party

Republicans76 yes · 5 no · 29 didn’t vote
Democrats30 yes · 2 no · 20 didn’t vote
Others17 yes · 0 no · 20 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Henry Cornelius Burnett D-KY voted no
John Noble Goodwin R-ME voted no
Benjamin Wood D-NY voted no
Theodore Medad Pomeroy R-NY voted no
Alexander Samuel Diven R-NY voted no
James Mitchell Ashley R-OH voted no
Sidney Edgerton R-OH 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. 45, a bill to define and…: House Vote, Jul 15, 1861,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/37-H-20/to-pass-h-r-45-a-bill-to-define (accessed 2026-10-17).