He was much surprised and tried to dissuade me.

The place would be very unpleasant for a lady, would attract attention, I would not like it; but he gave me the seat.

I occupied it one day, greatly to the surprise of the Senators, the reporters, and others on the floor and in the galleries; but felt that the novelty would soon wear off, and that women would work there and win bread without annoyance.
But the Senate had another sensation that day, for Foot, in a speech alluded to "the gentleman from Missouri." Benton sprang to his feet, and started toward him, but a dozen members rushed up to hold him, and he roared: "Stand off, gentlemen! Unhand me! Let me reach the scoundrel!" Everyone stamped, and ran, and shouted "Order!" The speaker pounded with his mallet, and Foot ran down the aisle to the chair, drawing out a great horse-pistol and cocking it, cried: "Let him come on, gentlemen! let him come on!" while he increased the distance between them as fast as time and space would permit.

After the hubbub had subsided, Foot explained: "Mr.Speaker, I saw the gentleman coming, and I advanced toward the chair." I have never seen a well-whipped rooster run from his foe, without thinking of Foot's advance..