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 vied for a spot in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada for the new Bytown area but was convinced by Governor General Lord Sydenham to relinquish his bid in favor of Sydenham's preferred choice, Stewart Derbishire.