So strongly was this tendency developed in his mind that, when he came to the bar, he removed to the Territory of Iowa, intending to identify himself with the growth of the free North-West.

Circumstances overcame the determination, and carried him back to Kentucky, where he was welcomed at the hearth-stones and in the hearts of her people.
MR.

CLAY AND MR.

BRECKINRIDGE.
At twenty-five years of age Mr.Breckinridge was appointed major in one of the Kentucky regiments, which served in the Mexican war.
After his return he entered upon the practice of his profession in Lexington, and against all the traditions of his family identified himself with the Democratic party.

An apparently slight incident had an important bearing upon his earlier political career.