In Washington, the House of Representatives votes 125-7 to establish a Department of Agriculture

The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly for an amendment to establish a Department of Agriculture seperate from farming's former home in the Patent Office.  Only seven representatives voted against it, including two Democrats from Indiana and the Republican Frederick Conkling from New York City's Sixth District.  President Lincoln signed the final bill on May 15, 1862 and the new department, without cabinet status, came into being six weeks later on July 1, 1863 with Isaac Newton of Pennsylvania as its first Commissioner.  (By John Osborne)