Though assiduous in the pursuits of agriculture, his benevolent instincts led him to take an active interest in the causes of temperance, anti-slavery, and whatever else the public welfare seemed to demand. His efforts in this direction, in co-operation with those of others, produced a change in the politics of the town, which resulted in his introduction to public life. He was elected moderator of town-meeting fourteen times, selectman six times, and to the legislature three times. In all these trusts he showed himself wise, able, and efficient. As a legislator, he did not seem anxious merely to shine, but to be useful, and to advance the interests of the state. Such qualities and service commended him to public favor, and in 1862 he was elected a councilor for the last year of Gov. Berry's administration, and re-elected to the council of Gov. Gilmore. This, it will be remembered, was while the hardships and horrors of the civil war were upon us, and when questions that could not be settled by precedent, and that tested the authority and resources of the state, were brought daily before the governor and his council for decision. The exigencies of the government would not suffer delay. Not only great permanent interests, but the very life of the nation was in peril, and large and frequent demands were made upon the states for supplies of men and money, when every resource seemed exhausted. In such times means must be invented and resources created. Criticism becomes silent, and waits for the return of peace to awaken into unreasoning activity. Under the pressure of such events, weak men are likely to be paralyzed, avaricious men corrupt, and bold men to abuse power. The qualities which Mr. Pillsbury developed in these trying circumstances ought to make his name historic. The writer has received communications from two gentlemen who were associated with him in the council, and whose services to the state are universally acknowledged, and, as they express more forcibly than any words of mine can do the part which the subject of this sketch took in that eventful period, I take the responsibility to publish such portions of their respective letters as bear specially upon the subject of this paper. The known character of the writers will give additional weight to their strong language of encomium. Hon. John W. Sanborn, of Wakefield, writes, as follows:--