He completed his studies in the office of Mr.
Choate in Boston, and began the practice of his profession in Wisconsin.

Not long after his settlement in his new home, he lost his sight from over-use of his eyes in study, and for a period of three years was entirely blind.

Judge Black, his intimate friend and eulogist, believed that this appalling calamity wrought Mr.Carpenter great good in the end: "It elevated, refined, strengthened all his faculties.

Before that time much reading had made him a very full man: when reading became impossible, reflection digested his knowledge into practical wisdom.

He perfectly arranged his storehouse of facts and cases, and pondered intently upon the first principles of jurisprudence." His service in the Senate may rather be termed brilliant than useful.
The truth is that Mr.Carpenter attempted to do what no man can accomplish: he tried to maintain his full practice at the bar, and discharge his full duties as senator at the same time.