To elect a postmaster of the House Of Representatives for the 37th Congress, w. S. King, coded 1, VS. J. Lucas, coded 2. Other candidates include w. A. Johnson

On Jul 5, 1861, the House voted 79–2. Result: passed. By party: Republicans 95–1, Democrats 36–2, Others 20–1. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 3 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: 79
No: 2
Did not vote: 44
Date: Jul 5, 1861

By party

Republicans95 yes · 1 no · 14 didn’t vote
Democrats36 yes · 2 no · 14 didn’t vote
Others20 yes · 1 no · 16 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Clement Laird Vallandigham D-OH voted no
Thomas Buchecker Cooper D-PA voted no
Edward Mcpherson R-PA 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 elect a postmaster of the House Of…: House Vote, Jul 5, 1861,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/37-H-6/to-elect-a-postmaster-of-the-house-of-representatives (accessed 2026-10-17).