He deluded himself for a little by political ambitions.

He wanted to go to the Senate of the United States, and during a legislative session of prolonged balloting at Frankfort he missed his election by a single vote.
It may be doubted whether he would have cut a considerable figure at Washington.

His talents were constructive rather than declamatory.

He was called to a greater field--though he never thought it so--and was foremost among those who developed the telegraph system of the country almost from its infancy.

He possessed the daring of the typical Kentuckian, with the dead calm of the stoic philosopher; imperturbable; never vexed or querulous or excited; denying himself none of the indulgences of the gentleman of leisure.