Spring 1885 was approaching, and Iowa’s 5th Congressional District election of 1882 was still in dispute. Republican James Wilson had been declared the winner, but Democrat Benjamin Frederick was still fighting for it, and won the seat outright in November 1884. However, the previous Congress had months of work ahead, including the restoration of the rank and pension of former president Ulysses S. Grant.
On March 3, 1885, just before the end of the session, Wilson cut a deal. He would leave his seat if the Democratic-controlled House (overwhelmingly Southern Democrats, mind you) would pass the Grant bill. From an editorial in the March 6 Traer Star-Clipper:
The Frederick-Wilson case and the Grant retirement bill occupied the last hours of Congress. Frederick was seated. The Republicans could have prevented the result, but Wilson rose in his place and said that rather than have General Grant kept from the retired list, himself and friends would sacrifice the seat. The Grant bill was passed and signed by the President. The outcome of both bills is hardly to be reprented [sic] by Republicans and certainly will not make Democrats feel proud. If Frederick was duly elected his party had the evidence and power to seat him in the early part of the session; and if Grant deserves retirement now, he has done nothing since the Democrats refused to show him honor to entitle him to their esteem at this late day. In sacrificing the seat (which it was plain he could have held in spite of the Democrats), after having fought for it so manfully, that America’s beloved general might be partially rewarded, James Wilson has performed an act that will reflect credit and honor on him as long as graceful acts are recognized.
“An Act to authorize an additional appointment on the retired-list of the Army” gave Grant his pension. Wilson got recognized for his statesmanship and — understatement alert — later continued his career in public service. Frederick got the entire term’s salary for one day of service and then was re-inaugurated for the next Congress.
Less than two years later, Frederick resigned and unresigned after situations sparked by the 1886 redistricting involving postmaster nominations in both Grundy County (which he technically never represented) and Johnson County (which was pulled out of the 5th District). Republican editors of papers in the area had much more verbose and fiery things to say, and the Star-Clipper going off on him (PDF) is an entertaining read.