At the close of his second term of service, which was for two years, he returned to Kentucky, but his fame had preceded him――the eyes of Kentuckians had been fixed gratefully on him during his senatorial services, and they were prepared to return him speedily to the halls of congress, to adorn which, he had given such abundant proof of his capability. According to the proclamation of the president, congress convened on the fourth day of November, 1811, and on the first ballot for speaker to the house of representatives, Mr. Clay was elected by a majority of thirty-one over the opposing candidates. When it is recollected that this was his first appearance in that body, it must be regarded as a remarkable occurrence, and entirely aside from the ordinary course of events; indeed, as an instance of early and strong confidence reposed in one, to which a parallel cannot be found in the history of any individual. There were many circumstances, however, explanatory of this hasty, unreserved reliance. He was known to have acted in that capacity in the legislature of Kentucky, and to have discharged its duties with singular ability and acceptance; also of his conspicuity in the senate they were not ignorant, and perhaps a desire to see Mr. Randolph, of Virginia, restrained in his gross violations of order and decorum, for which he was noted, whom it was imagined Mr. Clay could curb, induced several members to vote for him, who otherwise had not supported him for the office. That confidence so generously, spontaneously, and by him so unexpectedly yielded, he very appropriately noticed, in a pertinent speech made by him on assuming the responsible station, and he proved by his faithfulness, zeal, and decision, with which he discharged its onerous duties, that it was most judiciously confided. He showed himself equal to the task of curbing Mr. John Randolph, or any other turbulent spirit in the assembly over which he presided. He was subsequently chosen several times to fill the same important post, and never did he betray his trust, or disappoint the just expectations of his friends. The manner in which he exercised his authority may be considered as somewhat stern, slightly approximating to arbitrariness, evincing great decision and firmness of character, and a disposition not to tolerate the slightest disrespect or indignity towards the house. During the long period in which he discharged the functions of speaker, including many sessions of great turbulence and strife, not one of his decisions was ever reversed on an appeal from the chair. This fact speaks volumes in his praise.