[2] Cowper retained government on the fourth occasion by defeating Martin at the 1864–65 general election.

[3][4] Following the resignation of his colleague, Robertson, who lost the confidence of the Assembly, Cowper became Premier on the fifth and final occasion in 1870.

Under the constitution, ministers were required to resign to recontest their seats in a by-election when appointed.

Because the majority of the ministers retained their appointments from the Robertson ministry, the only by-election that was initially required was for Liverpool Plains with Charles Cowper comfortably re-elected.

[5] This ministry covers the period from 13 January 1870 until 15 December 1870, when Martin was asked to form government after Cowper again lost the confidence of the Assembly.