In 1846 I was once elected to the Lower House of Congress, but was not a candidate for re-election.

From 1849 to 1854, both inclusive, practiced law more assiduously than ever before.

Always a Whig in politics, and generally on the Whig electoral tickets, making active canvasses.

I was losing interest in politics, when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise aroused me again.

What I have done since then is pretty well known.
If any personal description of me is thought desirable, it may be said, I am in height, six feet, four inches, nearly; lean in flesh, weighing, on an average, one hundred and eighty pounds; dark complexion, with coarse black hair, and gray eyes.