 He was not reelected to this office, notwithstanding his receipt of a majority of votes.While he was in Congress, Representative William Stanbery, of Ohio, was assaulted on the street by General Sam Houston, in consequence of remarks made on the floor of the house.In bringing the matter before Congress, Cooke said that if he and his friends were denied protection by that body, he would "flee to the bosom of his constituents," and this expression was taken up by his political opponents and remained a catch word for some time.