When the Legislature was organized it was largely through the influence of Governor Alcorn that he was elected Sergeant-at-arms of the State Senate.

When the Legislature adjourned Governor Alcorn sent Bruce to Bolivar county as County Assessor.

Bruce discharged the duties of that office in such a creditable and satisfactory manner that he was elected in 1871 Sheriff and Tax Collector of that important and wealthy county, the most responsible and lucrative office in the gift of the people of the county.

He was holding that office when elected to the United States Senate.

Senator Alcorn felt, therefore, that in taking sides against him and in favor of Ames in 1873 Mr.Bruce was guilty of gross ingratitude.