During the Civil War he helped organize 2 regiments of colored soldiers. He also served as a minister in a southern Methodist church. He also was the first person of color to serve in the United States Congress when he served in the Senate. He represented Mississippi in 1870 and 1871 in the Senate. Being a citizen since he was born, he was able to fend off his enemies that tried to say he was ineligible to serve in the senate according to the Dread Scott case. Through out his term, he fought strongly for equality, much of which was unsuccessful.