At this period General Butler was almost invariably his opposing or associate counsel.  When they were opposed, it is needless to say that their cases were tried with the utmost thoroughness and ability.  When they were associated, it is equally needless to say that there could hardly have been a greater concentration of legal ability.  In 1844, Judge Abbott was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Baltimore, which nominated James K. Polk as its presidential candidate; and he has been a delegate, either from his district or the State at large, to all but one of the Democratic National Conventions since, including, of course, the last one, at Cincinnati, which nominated General Winfield S. Hancock.  His political prominence is shown by the fact that he has invariably been the chairman of the delegation from his State, and, several times, the candidate of his party in the Legislature for the office of United States senator.

Judge Abbott was on the staff of Governor Marcus Morton.  In 1853, he was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, which consisted so largely of men of exceptional ability.  In the debates and deliberations of this convention, he took a conspicuous part.  In 1835, he was appointed judge of the superior court of Suffolk County.  He retired from the bench in 1858, having won an enviable reputation for judicial fairness and acumen, and suavity of manner, in the trial of cases, which made him deservedly popular with the members of the bar who practised in his court.  In the year following his retirement from the bench, he removed his office from Lowell to Boston, where he has since resided, practising in the courts, not only of this Commonwealth, but of the neighboring States and in the Supreme Court of the United States.  In 1874, he was elected a member of Congress, from the fourth congressional district of Massachusetts.  He was chosen by his Democratic colleagues of the House a member of the Electoral Commission, to determine the controverted result of the presidential election.  When the gravity of the situation, and the dangers of the country at that time, are taken into account, it is obvious that no higher compliment could have been paid than that involved in this selection; a compliment which was fully justified by the courage and ability which Judge Abbott manifested as a member of that commission.  It should have been mentioned before, that, in 1838, Judge Abbott married Caroline, daughter of Judge Edward St. Loe Livermore.  After what has been said, it is scarcely necessary to give a summary of the prominent traits of Judge Abbott as a man and a lawyer.  The warmth and fidelity of his friendship are known to all such as have had the good fortune to enjoy that friendship.  He is as conspicuous for integrity and purity of character as for professional ability.  As a citizen, he is noted for patriotism, liberality, and public spirit.  As a politician, he is true to his convictions.  As a business man, he has brought to the aid of the large railroad and manufacturing interests, with which he has long been, and is still, connected, large intelligence, great energy, and sound judgment.  His physical and mental powers are undiminished, and it may be hoped that many years of honor and prosperity are still in store for him.