While Garfield was serving his country to the utmost of his ability in the field, the voters of the Nineteenth District of Ohio, in which he had his home, were called upon to select a man to represent them in Congress.  It perhaps exceeds any other portion of the State in its devotion to the cause of education and the general intelligence of its inhabitants.  The people were mostly of New England origin, and in selecting a representative they wanted a man who was fitted by education, as well as fidelity, to do them credit.

Their choice fell upon Garfield, who was known to them at home as the head of one of their chief institutions of learning, and whose reputation had not suffered in the field.  They did not even consult him, but put him in nomination, and elected him by an overwhelming majority.

It was a gratifying compliment, for in our country an election to Congress is regarded as a high honor, which no one need be reluctant to accept.  We have on record one of our most distinguished statesmen—­John Quincy Adams—­who, after filling the Presidential chair, was content to go back to Washington as a member of the House of Representatives from his district in Massachusetts.  It was undoubtedly more in harmony with the desires and tastes of the young man—­for he was still a young man—­than service in the field.  But he felt that that was not the question.  Where was he more needed?  The war was not over.  Indeed, it seemed doubtful when it would be finished; and Garfield was now in a position to serve his country well as a military commander.

When on the march to Chattanooga, Garfield consulted Gen. Rosecranz, owning that he was perplexed in attempting to decide.

Rosecranz said:  “The war is not yet over, nor will it be for some time to come.  Many questions will arise in Congress which will require not only statesman-like treatment, but the advice of men having an acquaintance with military affairs.  For that reason you will, I think, do as good service to the country in Congress as in the field.  I not only think that you can accept the position with honor, but that it is your duty to do it.”

He added, and we may be sure that his advice accorded with the personal judgment of the man whom he was addressing, “Be true to yourself, and you will make your mark before your country.”

Some months were to elapse before he would require to go to Washington, for Congress was not to meet till December.

He went to Washington, undecided even yet whether to remain as a legislator, or to return to his old comrades in the army.  He only wished to know where he could be of most service to his country, and he finally decided to lay the matter before President Lincoln.

Lincoln gave substantially the same advice as Rosecranz:  “We need men who will help us carry the necessary war measures; and, besides, we are greatly lacking in men of military experience in the House to promote legislation about the army.  It is your duty, therefore, to enter Congress.”