SC1896_FF1_068

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Bennette Henderson & James B. Reynolds Repr. from
Ten. Ward of New York & Col. Conner & Albion K.
Parris from the then District of Maine; the two
latter Gentlemen were the only Republican mem-
bers at that session in Congress from New England.
Mr. Carr of Maine had been elected, but did not take
his seat until the next session.
The Capitol was at that time in ruins, & Con-
gress sat in a house prepared for the purpose
about 150 or 200 yards East of the Capitol.
Mr. Clay was elected Speaker without opposition
and in the organization of the committees I was
appointed on the committee of enrolled bills.
I was in a great measure a silent member
during this session - did not make what could be
called a "set speech" altho I took an active part
and made speeches on a few occasions, particu-
larly in the bill to provide for the payment for
property lost etc. during the War. On the bill grant-
ing pensions to the widows & children of the officers
& soldiers who were killed or died in the service.
In opposition to the bill giving a bounty in lands
to the disbanded officers of the regular army etc. etc.
In favor of the bill to repeal the internal tax-
es. It was my misfortune at this session to vote
against my own judgment & at the earnest
solicitation of my colleagues in favor of what
was familiarly known as the "Compensation Bill".
As I predicted, it was every where unpopular & at the
next election, altho' the entire Kentcky delega-
tion with the exception of Genl. Desha voted for it
not one was re-elected, except Clay & Johnson.
The bill was as unpopular in their Districts as
in the others, but Mr. Clay's high character, un