He was an unsuccessful candidate for election in 1846 to the Thirtieth Congress.
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He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1850 to the Thirty-second Congress.
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Matteson was elected as a Whig to the Thirty-third Congress and reelected as an Opposition Party candidate to the Thirty-fourth Congress and served from March 4, 1853, until his resignation on February 27, 1857.
While in the House Gilbert was accused of corruption, along with members William W. Welch, Francis S. Edwards, and Orsamus B. Matteson.