He returned in eight years.
Among the opposition senators, some fourteen in number, the most prominent was John C.Breckinridge of Kentucky, who had stepped from the Vice-President's chair to the floor of the Senate as the successor of Mr.Crittenden.

Mr.Breckinridge at that time was forty years of age, attractive in personal appearance, graceful, and cordial in manner, by inheritance and by cultivation a gentleman.
He came from a section where family rank gave power and influence.
He united in his person the best blood of the South and the North, -- preserving and combining the most winning traits of each.

His lineage in Kentucky naturally brought to him the sympathy and support of the State.

He was born to success and authority among his people.

Originally he had anti-slavery convictions, as had all the members of his eminent family.