When the Legislature convened at the opening session, he was in his place in the lower house; but he bore himself quietly in his new position.

He had much to learn in his novel situation as one of the lawmakers of the State, and as a co-worker with an assembly comprising the most talented and prominent men gathered from all parts of Illinois.

He was keenly watchful of the proceedings of the House, weighing every measure with scrutinizing sagacity, but except in the announcement of his vote his voice was seldom heard.

At the previous session, Mr.G.S.Hubbard, afterwards a well-known citizen of Chicago, had exerted himself to procure the passage of an act for the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

His effort was defeated; but he continued, as a lobbyist, to push the measure during several winters, until it was finally adopted.