Gilbert was elected as an Opposition Party candidate to the Thirty-fourth Congress and served from March 4, 1855, until his resignation February 27, 1857.
While in the House Gilbert was accused of corruption, along with members William W. Welch, Francis S. Edwards, and Orsamus B. Matteson.
Gilbert was also accused of agreeing to procure passage of a bill authorizing publication of a book containing details on federal military pension and land bounty laws in exchange for the author dividing the proceeds with him.
Gilbert protested the proceedings, and then resigned with four days left in his term rather than face an expulsion vote.
[4] This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress