He was afterward Minister to France, and gained great distinction and credit by remaining in Paris throughout the siege, and giving shelter and support to persons who were in danger from the fury of the mob.

He earned the gratitude alike of the Germans and the French ecclesiastics.
He was known as the watch dog of the Treasury, when he was in the House.

Few questionable claims against the Government could escape his vigilance, or prevail over his formidable opposition.

But, one day, a private bill championed by his brother, Cadwallader, passed the House while Elihu kept entirely silent.

Somebody called out to the Speaker: "The watch dog don't bark when one of the family goes by." When I entered the House, William B.Allison, of Iowa, had already acquired great influence there.