He exhibited talent in debate, was distinguished for industry in the work of the House and for inflexible integrity in all his duties.

He was not a party man in the ordinary sense of the word, but was inclined rather to independence of thought and action.

This habit separated him from many friends who had wished to promote his political ambition, and estranged him for a time from the Republican party.

But it never lost him the confidence of his neighbors and friends, and did not impair the good reputation he had earned in his public career .-- George A.Halsey, a successful manufacturer and a most intelligent, worthy man, entered from the Newark district of New Jersey, bringing to the House a thorough and valuable knowledge of the trade relations of the country, both domestic and foreign .-- The New-Hampshire delegation, not present at the organization of the House, had been entirely changed by the late election.

Aaron F.Stevens, a lawyer of high standing, Jacob H.Ela, afterwards for many years an Auditor in the Treasury Department, and Jacob Benton, well known in the politics of his State, were the new members .-- Worthington C.Smith, an experienced man of affairs, entered from Vermont as the successor Justin S.Morrill .-- Henry L.Cake, an enthusiastic representative of the Pennsylvania Germans and of the anthracite-coal minters, came from the Schuylkill district .-- Green B.Raum, afterward for a considerable period Commissioner of Internal Revenue, entered from Illinois .-- William A.Pile and Carman A.Newcomb, two active and earnest young Republicans, came as representatives of the city of St.Louis.
Benjamin F.Butler now took his seat in Congress for the first time.
He was sent from a Massachusetts district of which he was not a resident, thus breaking a long established and approved custom.
Though his military career had been the subject of adverse and bitter criticism, it had been marked by certain features which pleased the people, and he came out of the war with an extraordinary popularity in the loyal States.