His success at the bar was very marked.
Preceding his election to Congress he served in the State Legislature and took a leading position in a body of able men.

In the House of Representatives he rose rapidly in the estimation of his associates and was recognized as a sound and careful legislator, of great industry in the committee-room, and of decided ability as a debater.
He exhibited an exceptional clearness of statement and power of analysis.

He possesses the peculiar tact and aptitude which insure a successful career in a Parliamentary body.

He has always been fond of books, and has constantly grown in knowledge and in mental discipline.
The Pennsylvania delegation received some valuable accessions.
Washington Townsend of the Chester district brought to his public duties a large experience in affairs, a good standing at the bar, with the common sense, integrity, and trustworthiness found so generally in the Society of Friends .-- John B.Packer, a man of steady character and strong parts, came from the Dauphin district .-- John Cessna of the Bedford district had served many years in the Legislature of Pennsylvania, had been twice Speaker of the House of Representatives in that State, and had given much attention to Parliamentary law .-- William H.Armstrong from the Lycoming district, was a graduate of Princeton, a lawyer, and extensively engaged in business .-- James S.
Negley, from one of the Pittsburg districts, had served in the Mexican war when only twenty years of age, and at the outbreak of the Rebellion was appointed a Brigadier-General in the Volunteer service.

He joined General Sherman in the South-West in the autumn of 1861 and fought through the war, attaining an excellent reputation, and being rewarded with the rank of Major-General .-- Daniel J.Morrell of the Johnstown district, who entered the preceding Congress, had grown rapidly in his standing in the House, and, next to Judge Kelley, was quoted as an authority upon all industrial questions.
George W.McCrary and F.W.Palmer of Iowa, Jacob A.Ambler and William H.Upson of Ohio, Horatio C.Burchard and John B.Hawley of Illinois, and Stephen W.Kellogg of Connecticut, were among the members who rose to rank and usefulness in the House .-- Gustavus A.Finkelnburg, a young German who spoke English without the slightest accent, came from one of the St.Louis districts and rapidly gained the respect and confidence of all who were associated with him .-- S.