On July 4, 1816, Representative Thomas Gholson, Jr. (DR) of Virginia's 18th district died in office.
A special election was held to fill the resulting vacancy on October 10, 21–23, and 28, 1816 (each of the three districts within the 18th district held their election on a different day[1]).
Nelson took his seat on December 4, 1816,[2] at the start of the 2nd session of the 14th Congress.