sentences:  A Whig, he served two consecutive terms in the Virginia House of Delegates, 1847–1848 and 1848–1849.In May 1863 Cowper was selected as candidate for lieutenant governor of the Restored government to replace a candidate from Berkeley County who had withdrawn.Although the candidates for governor and attorney general were unopposed, Cowper was challenged by Gilbert S. Miner, whom he defeated in the election held on May 28, 1863.