He served six years as inspector of the Seventh Brigade New York State Militia, was chairman of the military committee appointed by Governor Morgan in 1862 to raise and organize State troops in the Eighth Senate District, and was commissioned to superintend the draft in Westchester County.

In 1860 he was a member of the Electoral College, and voted for Abraham Lincoln. He supported him again in the National Convention of 1864, and during his whole administration was one of his most loyal and faithful adherents. In 1866 he was elected a representative in 'the Fortieth Congress by a majority of two thousand two hundred over William Radford, who had represented the district for the two terms immediately preceding. While member of Congress he voted for the impeachment of President Johnson, took an active part in the legislation which led to the restoration of the Southern States to the Unioi|> and throughout his term devoted himself to the interests of his district and his constituents.

Judge Robertson's second term of service in the State Senate began in 1872 and continued without interruption for ten years,during the last eight of which he was president pro tern, of that body. He served as chairman of the Committees on Commerce and Navigation, Rules, Literature and Judiciary. As the head of the Judiciary Committee for eight years, he occupied a position of great responsibility and usefulness, and it is freely conceded by all who are capable of judging, that it is due to his ability and watchfulness that many unwise and improper bills were prevented from becoming laws. As a Senator be par-