[1] Field was appointed as a Republican to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of United States Senator John Renshaw Thomson and served from November 21, 1862, to January 14, 1863, when a successor was elected.

[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 14, 1863, and received his commission the same day.

[citation needed] Field was a founder of the New Jersey Historical Society, and served as its president.

[citation needed] He was a founder of the State Normal School, now known as The College of New Jersey, and served as president of its board of trustees.

[citation needed] In 1859, Princeton University conferred on Field the honorary degree of LL.D.