48 and served four years. He was known
to be an aggressive Whig and a dangerous opponent in debate; was
re-elected in 1858 as a Republican and at once took the lead in
the speakership contest. His sarcasm was keen and merciless. He
was not a very useful member of the committee. He was better in
the field of battle than in the seclusion of the committee. Still,
when any contest arose in the House over bills reported by the
committee, he was always ready to defend its action. Though a
cynical old bachelor, with a deformed foot and with a bitter tongue
for those he disliked, he was always charitable and kind to the
poor. He was quiet and impartial in his charity, recognizing no
distinction on account of color, but usually preferring to aid
women rather than men. I was often the witness of his charities.
He continued in active public life until his death on the 11th of
August, 1868. For some time before his death he was unable to walk
up the marble steps of the capitol and two stout negroes were
detailed to carry him up in a chair. On one occasion when safely
seated he grimly said to them, "Who will carry me when you die?"
Mr. Stevens was a brave man. He always fought his fights to a
finish and never asked or gave quarter.

Israel Washburn, Jr., of Maine, was one of three brothers, Members
of this Congress. Israel was the eldest, and, perhaps, the most
active, of the three. He received a classical education, studied
law and was admitted to the bar in 1830. He was a good debater
and a useful member of the committee. He had been in Congress ten
years, including the 36th. He subsequently became governor of
Maine, and collector of customs at Portland.

John S. Millson, of Virginia, had long been a Member of Congress,
was fifty-two years old, and regarded as a safe, conservative man
of fair abilities.

Martin J. Crawford, of Georgia, was a lawyer of good standing. He
was elected a Member of Congress in 1854, and continued as such
until the rebellion, in which he took an active part. When Georgia
seceded, he, with his colleagues, formally withdrew from Congress.
Crawford and I had been friendly, and somewhat intimate. He was
a frank man, openly avowing his opinions, but with respectful
toleration of those of others. After he withdrew we met in the
lobby; he bade me good-bye, saying that his next appearance in
Washington would be as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary
of the Confederate States