This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1892 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. 1825-1833. R. POLK assiduously attended to the duties of his profession, practising law in the courts of Maury and the adjoining counties. During the long periods later in life when he was busily engaged with the cares of government, as member of Congress or Governor of Tennessee, and until he became President of the United States, the practice of his profession was only suspended. As soon as his term of office expired, he returned with ardor to the pursuit of his chosen calling. It was one of his maxims that a man should never abandon his profession, and if called away for a time, should return to it as soon as possible. His talents and force of character continued to win the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens; and when he became a candidate for Congress his active canvass was successful. In 1825 he was elected to represent the district composed of the counties of Giles, Maury, Lincoln, and Bedford, in the Congress of the United States. This was a high distinction at that time. The Hon. A. 0. P. Nicholson had always known Mr. Polk. "They were near neighbors, belonged to the same profession, were members of the same political family, and closely identified with the political conflicts of each successive year." In the following extract Judge Nicholson speaks of that whereof he knew: -- "At the election in 1825 Mr. Polk was chosen a member of Congress, after a most arduous and warmly contested canvass. In this canvass, the peculiar traits of his character were prominently developed. His competitors were men of age, experience, and intelligence. He was young, and comparatively inexperienced and unknown. It was a contest to be decided mainly upon personal popularity. The people were not then divided into two great...