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“Mr. Cochran naturally finds it embarrassing to read the Scriptures in public," but that I would read the Psalm if Mr. Taylor would pray. Mr. Taylor acceded to this, so I rose and read the noble Psalm, and Mr. Taylor taking his seat at the organ played and sang the words set to music, and then, reverently kneeling, offered prayer. It was learned afterwards that Mr. Cochran had said that he thought wherever I conducted religious services he should be allowed to read the hymns; Mr. Taylor had never heard this, but innocently and kindly wished to extend a courtesy to my opponent. The report of the incident was much enjoyed throughout the district. My personal relations with Mr. Cochran were never disturbed in the excited and protracted canvass in the extensive territory through which we travelled; and the result was regarded as doubtful to the end. It required great energy on my part to establish the ascendency of the Whig party; never losing an opportunity to visit doubtful parts of the district. The county of Covington, a small but reliable stronghold of the Whigs, had given to Mr. Clay, in the recent election, a majority of but ten votes; and at the close of the joint discussion with my opponent I took a young friend with me and drove through it once more, and was rewarded for my attention by a majority of a hundred and ten votes at the Congressional election.

After a protracted and interesting canvass of the whole district I was elected by a good majority, and achieved the first victory for the Whig party in a contest for a seat in Congress, my friends enjoying the triumph the more as I was the only successful candidate of that party in the State.

My election to Congress occurred in August, within less than twelve months after my return from Europe.

CHAPTER XVI.

Opening of Congress, December, 1845-The Senate-The House of Representatives-Sketches of Members-President's Message-Texas-Oregon-Debate on the Oregon Question-Negotiation and Settlement.

THE opening of Congress in December, 1845 was an occasion of unusual interest. The administration of Mr. Polk was to make the first announcement of its policy; great events had occurred within the last twelve months; important questions affecting the relations of the United States with England and Texas were impending; the financial affairs of the country required the aid of wise legislation. A large number of new members were to take their seats in the House of Representatives, while the Senate had on its roll the names of many renowned

statesmen.

The President's Cabinet was composed of men of ability and distinction: James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, Secretary of State; Robert J. Walker, of Mississippi, Secretary of the Treasury; William L. Marcy, of New York, Secretary of War; George Bancroft, of Massachusetts, Secretary of the Navy; Cave Johnson, of Tennessee, Postmaster-General; and John Y. Mason, of Virginia, Attorney-General.

Mr. Dallas, the Vice-President, presided with great dignity and much grace of manner in the Senate; his personal appearance was striking: while yet in the prime of life his hair white and, brushed back from the forehead ocks almost to his shoulders; his dress

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was always elegant, full black; he wore invariably a white cravat, which was singularly becoming to his rich complexion. As he sat with republican simplicity in his chair he was more impressive than the Lord Chancellor of England seated on the wool-sack with his ample wig and black silk gown. In looking down upon the senators, in their seats ranged around the chamber, he saw illustrious men: among them Daniel Webster, John Davis, from the commonwealth of Massachusetts; John C. Calhoun, George McDuffie, from South Carolina; Thomas H. Benton, from Missouri; Willie P. Mangum, from North Carolina; John A. Dix, from New York; William Allen and Thomas Corwin, from Ohio; John M. Berrien and Walter T. Colquit, from Georgia; John J. Crittenden, from Kentucky; Reverdy Johnson, from Maryland, and Lewis Cass, from Michigan, with other men of mark. Mr. Clay had not yet returned to the Senate; he came later.

In taking my seat in the House of Representatives, I observed among those who, like myself, had entered that body for the first time: Robert Toombs, of Georgia, and Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi. There was a large Democratic majority in the House, and Honorable John W. Davis, of Indiana, was elected Speaker on the first ballot, Honorable Samuel F. Vinton, of Ohio, receiving the Whig vote. In looking over the hall I observed a large number of able men, some of them already distinguished, and others destined to attain great places in the government of the country, and exert a powerful influence upon public affairs. Ex-President John Quincy Adams, of Massachusetts, occupied a seat alone, near mine, and was an object of universal regard and consideration; a great and picturesque man, standing near the extreme boundary of human life, yet in possession of his intellectual power, and with unimpaired vision, observing with intense interest everything about him, the memories and glories of a past age clustering upon him and still contributing to the

advancement of measures for the increase of the power and prosperity of the republic.

I had been fortunate in the choice of a seat, not far from the Speaker's chair, and it afforded me advantages in debate, and in observing and hearing the proceedings of the House. The desk accommodating three, I, having first choice, took the corner seat nearest the Speaker: Honorable Thomas Butler King, of Georgia, the other corner; while Honorable Charles J. Ingersoll, of Pennsylvania, the historian, and chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, though a Democratic leader, took the central seat; a charming man in conversation, he was very entertaining. George C. Dromgoole, of Virginia, one of the able men of the Democratic party, also took a seat near me; he was an interesting man, and had served several terms. A shadow rested upon him. Some years previously he became involved in a quarrel with a gentleman with whom he held friendly relations, and was so unfortunate as to kill him in a duel; fatal to one of the parties instantly, and blighting the life of the other. A personal friendship sprang up between Mr. Dromgoole and myself, notwithstanding our disagreement in politics. which continued throughout our service in Congress. On the other side of the House, directly opposite me, sat my colleague, William L. Yancey, already displaying those brilliant parts which distinguished him so greatly afterwards. He had entered Congress from an adjoining district, his residence being at Wetumpka during my absence in Europe. His personal appearance was fine: above the medium height, and well knit; a good head; his face full of intellectual force; eyes bright, and expressive of the warmth of his temper; his chin well formed, and the whole aspect leonine. Robert C. Winthrop, of Massachusetts, had served several terms, and his rank was high. He impressed me from the first as a man of intellect, of character, and of fine attainments; his bearing was impressive ;

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about six feet in height, well formed, his face expressive of culture and sentiment; wearing glasses, which did not conceal the clear gray eyes; at all times extremely well dressed; there was about him a look of refinement and ability that would have attracted attention to him in any parliamentary body in the world. It was said that he bore a strong resemblance to the portrait of his ancestor, John Winthrop, Governor of the Colony of Massachusetts.

Robert M. T. Hunter, of Virginia, came to the House with a great reputation, and sustained it. He was, by a piece of good fortune, elected Speaker, the contending parties having failed to agree in their support of either of the nominees; but he failed to be re-elected. He retained his seat in the House, and was a strong man, destined to higher distinction. His personal appearance was prepossessing, indicating ability and character.

Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, was already one of the leading members of the House, and distinctly a man of large faculties. His head was fine, not only massive, but well proportioned; his face was striking-the features large, the mouth good, the lips firm but not stern, the chin prominent, the eyes large, dark, and full of expression; his stature was short, but his person well formed, indicating strength and activity; and his manners were unaffected and very pleasing. He held the important place of chairman of the Committee on Territories.

Howell Cobb, of Georgia, was a man of recognized ability, a born leader of men; he was very popular, and wielded a large influence in the House; his face was fine, full of animation and character, and his person, like that of Fox, was full, but not unwieldy.

Alexander H. Stephens, his colleague, was one of the noted men in the House. Tall, slender, a sallow complexion; dark, piercing eyes; black hair, worn long, he was the impersonation of intellect; clear, bright, like the flame of a light-house throwing its illuminating rays over every