In June 1861 , during the American Civil War , he spoke against the secessionist sentiment at the Breckenridge Democratic Party convention .
As a Democrat , Sanderson was elected district attorney in El Dorado County .
In June 1861 , during the American Civil War , Sanderson spoke against the secessionist sentiment at the Democrat     convention .
As a Democrat , Sanderson was elected district attorney in El Dorado County .