He resigned in 1819 "to get bread for his family," as he expressed it; the compensation of a senator for the session of Congress not averaging at that time more than nine hundred dollars per annum.

He resigned in 1841 to become Attorney-General in the Cabinet of Harrison.

He resigned in 1848 to run for Governor of Kentucky in aid of General Taylor's candidacy, and he left the governorship in 1850, after the death of Taylor, to accept his old position in the Cabinet.

He was appointed to the Supreme Bench by John Quincy Adams in the last year of his administration; but the Senate, already under the influence of the Jackson men, refused to confirm him.

Mr.Clay wrote to Mr.Crittenden in anticipation of his failure, bidding him "cultivate calmness of mind and prepare for the worst event." Mr.Crittenden's ability was of a high order.