than it had been supposed he was; he was elected almost by acclamation. Our astonishment may well be excited, when we consider that this was the first time that he was a candidate for an office, and the circumstances under which it took place. It must be certain that he was esteemed a young man of great promise and ability. That confidence he seems so early to have inspired he has ever retained, and it is a no less just than flattering tribute to his worth, that where he is known best, there he is esteemed the most. This appears from the fact that the citizens of Fayette county have never refused him an office when brought forward by his friends as a candidate. At the time of his election to this, his first office, the public mind was much agitated in reference to the Lexington Insurance Company. Felix Grundy, a political partizan of great eminence, had proclaimed himself hostile to its existence, and expressed his intention to move the repeal of its charter. This question was brought to bear directly on the election, and as the views of Mr. Clay were known to be opposed to his, he was selected to advocate the claims of the institution. The attempt made during the ensuing session to procure the repeal of the incorporating law was easily defeated by him, but in the succeeding one Mr. Grundy himself was a member, and a majority of the House came pledged to support the measures advocated by him. Argument in such a state of things it was thought would avail little; for the representative, feeling bound to obey the will of his constituents, would be compelled to vote for the repeal, although convinced of its injustice. The debate that ensued was one of great ability, conducted by Mr. Clay and Mr. Grundy, and attracted crowds of spectators. They were both young, aspiring after forensic honors, and both eloquent. Mr. Grundy, though wily, shrewd, and a good political manager; in strength of argument, force, and felicity of illustration, and the faculty of setting his subject in a strong light before his hearers, was evidently inferior to his antagonist. Mr. Grundy at first waged an aggressive war, and with great boldness and vigor demolishing his enemy’s outposts, pushed his way far into his country. Elated with success, and the ease with which he overcame all opposition, he imagined victory already achieved. But he was destined to be checked midway in his brilliant career, to encounter his enemy’s strong _corps de reserve_. The contest is represented as having exhibited a scene of eloquent sublimity, seldom witnessed or surpassed. Mr. Grundy had marshalled his forces with the skill of a veteran, and flanked by powerful auxiliaries, was proceeding in the utmost regularity, and as he thought with absolute certainty, to strike the last decisive blow. A phalanx thus appointed, led on by such a general, seemed invincible, and indeed was, if any could be in such a conflict. Up to the time of the grand onslaught, Mr.