Then came the Black Hawk War, and I was elected a Captain of Volunteers--a success which gave me more pleasure than any I have had since.

I went through the campaign, was elated, ran for the Legislature the same year (1832), and was beaten--the only time I have ever been beaten by the people.

The next, and three succeeding biennial elections, I was elected to the Legislature.

I was not a candidate afterwards.

During this legislative period I had studied law, and removed to Springfield to practice it.