As a member of the Thirty–sixth Congress, rough–hewn Representative John Covode (R.,* Pa.) became a national celebrity in 1860 when he chaired a highly political investigation of President Buchanan's earlier relations with Congress and his efforts, or those of members of his administration, to subvert “the execution of any law now upon the statute book.” Shortly after the publication of the committee report, Covode embarked upon a campaign swing through New Hampshire in company with Charles H. Van Wyck (R., N.Y.), a young politician who was considered to be a better speaker than the Pennsylvanian. But the voters of the Granite State proved to be much more interested in the findings of Covode's committee than in listening to Van Wyck's oratory. So impressed by this circumstance was Van Wyck, said Covode later, that “no sooner was [the Thirty–seventh Congress] organized than he had an investigating committee appointed, of which he was chairman.” Covode continued: “While I run the investigating machine over my enemies, Van Wyck has run it over his friends.” The Pennsylvanian's accusation emphasized an important aspect of congressional activity during the Civil War; Van Wyck had not been alone in his desire to investigate. “The last Congress,” noted the New York Herald in 1863, “will be memorable for its inquiring disposition.” Both in this Congress and the next, investigation influenced the form of legislation, partisan and factional activity, and the behavior and careers of individual congressmen, as well as those of other public servants and ordinary citizens.