He had returned to Washington under a cloud of suspicion.

He was thoroughly distrusted by the Union men of Kentucky, who had in the popular election won a noble victory over the foes of the National Government, of whom Mr.Breckinridge had been reckoned chief.

No overt act of treason could be charged against him, but the prevalent belief was that his sympathies were wholly with the government at Richmond.

He opposed every act designed to strengthen the Union, and continually found fault with the attitude and with the intentions of the National Government.
He was considered by many to be in Washington only that he might the more efficiently aid the cause of the Confederacy.

During the consideration of "a bill to suppress insurrection and sedition," a debate arose between Mr.Breckinridge and Mr.Baker, the new senator from Oregon, which fixed the attention of the country upon the former, and subjected him to general condemnation in the Loyal States.
BRECKINRIDGE AND BAKER DISCUSSION.
The Oregon senator, with his ardent nature, and his impulse to take part in every conflict, had raised a regiment of volunteers principally composed of men from the Pacific coast.