Beats Prieur 7,590 votes to 6,782. Democratic ranks have been shaken by the Panic of 1837. February 4 Roman retakes the governor's office stressing education and civic improvements. During this administration comes the first practical impetus on a public education system. 600 volumes of Gayarre's Historical Essay on Louisian are purchased and distributed among the parishes.
Appropriations allow copying of parish archives on Louisiana colonial history.
Roman creates the Office of State Engineer and advocates opening the passes at the mouth of the Mississippi River. He is the president of the New Orleans Drainage Company which drains the swamps behind the city. He is the Citizen's Bank leader which remains stable in these times of panic, issuing the famed Dixie ten dollar bills. The state penitentiary opens in Baton Rouge. Also the Clinton to Port Hudson Railroad which aids the cotton industry and an experimental farm in St. James Parish.