But no party claims, no smiles nor frowns, could induce him to sanction any measure which he believed prejudicial to the interest of the people.
Hence, during his congressional career, the Whigs occasionally found him a decided opposer of their policy and measures, on questions where he deemed they had mistaken the true course.

In this he was but true to his principles, character, and whole past history.

It was not that he loved his political party or friends less, but that he loved what he viewed as conducive to the welfare of the nation, more.
The same principle of action governed him in reference to his political opponents.

In general he threw his influence against the administration of Gen.

Jackson, under a sincere conviction that its policy was injurious to the welfare of our common country.