When the time came he fully satisfied public expectation.

I do not say that his oration was a model of eloquence, for that could not have been expected of one whose advantages had been limited, and one for whom I have never claimed extraordinary genius.

But it certainly was well written and well delivered, and very creditable to the young orator.
The favor with which it was received may have had something to do in influencing the people of Centreville to nominate and elect him, to the New Hampshire Legislature a few months later.
He entered that body, the youngest member in it.

But his long connection with a Debating Society, and the experience he had gained in parliamentary proceedings, enabled him at once to become a useful working Member.

He was successively re-elected for several years, during which he showed such practical ability that he obtained a State reputation.