From 1835 to 1837, and 1841 to 1843, he served two non-consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives as Jacksonian.

He graduated from the law department of Columbia College in 1828, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice in New York City.

He was appointed by President Franklin Pierce United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and served from July 10, 1854, to January 7, 1858.

While holding this office, he prosecuted a number of important cases.

Among them were the attempt to enlist men to serve in the British Army during the Crimean War, and the seizure of the filibustering ship "Northern Light.