ELECTION TO CONGRESS In the year 1868 one chapter of my life ended and a very different one began.

In the beginning of that year I had no doubt that what remained of my life would be devoted to my profession, and to discharging as well as I could the duties of good citizenship in the community to which I was so strongly attached.

But it was ordered otherwise.

My life in Worcester came to an end, and I shall if I live to complete my present term in the Senate have spent thirty- eight years in the National service.
This came from no ambition of mine.

In May, 1868, I sailed for Europe, broken down in health by hard work.