Served as member of the Delaware House of Representatives 1796 to 1802 and member of the State Senate 1815 to 1816.

Also served as United States Congressmen from 1803 to 1806 and United States Senator 1822 to 1823.

Served as Attorney General of the United States 1807 to 1811 and Minister Plenipotentiary to Argentina 1823 to 1824.