One incident of his speech was grotesquely amusing.

He was under the impression that the suggestion in regard to the Tarpeian Rock had been made by Mr.Sumner, and he proceeded to denounce the senator from Massachusetts with bitter indignation.

Mr.Sumner looked surprised, but having become accustomed to abuse from the South, said nothing.

When next day it was shown by the _Globe_ that Mr.Fessenden was the offender, Mr.Breckinridge neither apologized to Mr.Sumner, nor attacked the senator from Maine.

The first was manifestly his duty.