The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-12-13

From the Washington Constitution Dec. -
THE RESIGNATION OF HON. HOWELL COBB.
We are authorized to announce the resignation
by the Hon. Howell Cobb of the high and respon-
sbe office of Secretary of the Treasury, which he
has held since the formation of President Buchau-
ans Cabinet, and the Presidents acceptance of the
same.
The following are Mr.. Cobb's letter rendering
his resignation, and the Presidents reply:
WASHINGTON CRY, Dec. S, 1860.
Ny Dear Sir "A sense of duty to the State of
Georgia requires me to take a step which makes it
proper that | should no longer continue to be a
member of your Cabinet.
In the troubles of the country consequent upon
the late Presidential election the honor and safety
of my State are involved: Her people so regard
it, and in their opinion fully concur. They are
engaged in a struggle where the issue is life or
death. My friends ask for my views and counsel.
Not to respond would be degrading to myself and
unjust to them. have accordingly prepared, and
must issue to them, an address which contains
the calm and solemn convictions of my heart and
judgment.
The views which | sincerely entertain, and which
therefore am bound to express, differ in some re-
spects from your own. The existence of this diff
ference would expose me, if | should remain in my
present place, to unjust suspicious, and put you in
false position. The first of these consequences |
could bear well enough, but will not subject you
to the last.
My withdrawal has not been occasioned bv any
thing you have said done. Whilst differing
from your message upon some OF its theoretical
doctrines as we'll as from the hope SO earnestly ex-
pressed that the Union can yet be preserved, there
was practical result likely to follow which
CURED me to retire from your Administration.-
That necessity is created by what feel it my duty
to do and the responsibility of the act therefore,
rests alone upon myself.
To say that | regret-deeply regret-this neces-
sity, but feeby expresses the feeling with which
pen this communication. For nearly four years
have been associated with you as one of your Cabi-
netotfcers, and during that period nothing has
occurred to mar, even for a moment, our personal
ana ohlclal relations. In the policy and measures
of your Administration l have cordially concur-
req, and shall ever feel proud of the humble place
which my name may occupy in its history If your
wise counses and patriotic WARNINGS had bean
needed by your countrymeD, the fourth of March
next would have found our country happy, pros
porous and united. That it will not do so, is no
fault of yours.
The evil has now passed beyond control, and
must De met by each and all Of under re-
spohspiiity TO God and our country. If, as | be-
gvG, history will have to record yours as the last
aIunisuatlon OF our present Union, il will also
place 1t side by side with the purest and ohlaot nf
| those that preceded it. VI
With the kindest regards for yourself and the
| so pleasantly associated
ia am n. most 1 truly and sincerely, your FRIEND
| Nv '"e 'ee'0eh' HOWELL COBB.
WASHINGTON, December 10. 1860
| Ny Dear Sir Il have received your communi
cation of Saturday evening, resgning the position
| OF Secretary OF the Treasury which You have held
since the commencement OF my administration
| Whilst deeply regret that you have determined
to separate yourself from at the present critical
moment, yet admit that the question for
your own decision. [ could have wished that you
had arrived at a different conclusion, because
relations, both official and personal, have ever been
OF the most friendly and confidential character. L
may add that have been entirely satisfied with
the ability and zeal which you have displayed in
performing the duties of your important office.
Cordially reciprocating your sentiments of per-
sonal regard, remain, very respectfully, your
friend, JAgEs BUoHtNSN.
Hon. Howell Cobb.
Rt. Rev. Michael Dominec, consecrated on
Sunday, as Bishop of Pittsburgh, Archbishop
Kendrick, of Baltimore, officiating, assisted by
the Bishops of Philadelphia, Erie, Wheeling, But
ialo and Toronto, and large number of clergy.
] men, o.