He could not be otherwise than the constant foe of slavery, and the constant friend of everything which went to emancipate and elevate the slave.

It was his good fortune to record his vote in favor of all the three great amendments to the constitution, and to be the supporter, friend and trusted counsellor of Abraham Lincoln.
After his election to fill Sumner's unexpired term I had a letter from Adin Thayer in which he said: "Washburn hates Butler with an Evangelical hatred which you know is more intense than a Liberal Christian can attain to." James Buffington was a shrewd and amusing character.

He understood the temper of the House very well and had great influence in accomplishing anything he undertook.

He prided himself on the fact that he never missed answering to his name at roll call during his whole term of service.

He understood very well the art of pleasing his constituents.