In 1841, he stood for election to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada for the new riding of Bytown but was persuaded by the Governor General, Lord Sydenham to withdraw his nomination in favour of Sydenham's preferred candidate, Stewart Derbishire.
In 1841, he explored the possibility of being elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada for the newly created Bytown district but was persuaded by Governor General Lord Sydenham to abandon his campaign and allow Sydenham's preferred candidate, Stewart Derbishire, to take his place.