Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-01-24
VOL XVI,
Fhs New sssFs,sry q yEar--A Chapter Il


The New sseretary of War--A Chapter ID
His History.
A year ago, when Gen. Oass-grieved
and indiRuant--left Mr. Buohanan's CRbi-
net. MIR. Attorney General Black vas
transferred 10 the Portfolio Of State, and
Mr. stanton, then absent from Washington,
Eas fixed upon as Attorney General. The
same night he arrived ct a late hour, and
learned rom his family Of his appointment.
Knowing the character Of the bold, bad men
then in the ssoendency in the Cabinet, he
determined at once to decline; but when,
the next day, he announced his resolution
at the White House, the entTesties Of the
distressed and helpless President, and The
arguments Of Mr.. Black, prevailed upon
him 70 accept,
At lhe arst meeting Of the Cabinet that
be attended, the condition Of the Seeded
States and the course to be pursued with
the garrison at Fort Sumter were discussed,
Floyd, and Thompson dwelling upon the
'irritstion Of the-SOUthern heart and the
folly Of Hoontinuing useless garrison 70
increase the irritation" No one formally
proposed any course Of action, but the de-
signs Of the conspirators we're plain TO the
new Attorney General BE went home
troubled. BE had intended, coming at go
late day, 10 remain 3 quiet member Of
the discol dant counoiL. But il was not in
nature 10 sit quiet longer under such utter
an0es.
The next meeting was long and stormy
one, Mr.. Holt, feeOly seconded by the Pres
ident, urging the immediate reinforcement
Of Sumter, while Thompson, Floyd and
Thomas contendsd that q quasi-treaty had
been made by the officers Of the Govern.
ment with the leaders Of the rebellion, to
offer no resistance to their violations Of
lau and seizures Of GoVernment property.
Floyd especially blszed with indignation
at what be termed the "violsiien OF honor"
At last Mr.. Thompson formally moved that
an imperative order be issued to Major
Anderson TO retire from Sumter 10 Fort
Notwithstanding Sumter to the enc
my and proceeding to post where he must
ct once surrender.
Stanton could still no longer, and rising,
he said with all the earnestness that could
be expresses in his bold and resolute fes-
lures, I" Mr.. PRECEDENT, it is my duty as
your legal adviser to say that you have no
right 70 give up the property Of the Gov
eminent or abandon the soldiers Of the
United States to its enemies, and the course
proposed by the Secretary Of the Interior,
If followed, is treason, and will involve you
and all concerned in treason" Such Ian
gusge had never before been heard in Blu.
ohanan's Cabinet, and the men who had so
long ruled and bullied the President were
surprised and enrsged to be thus rebuked.
Floyd and Thompson sprAng TO their feet
with fierce, mensciug gestures, seeming
about to assault Stanton. Mr.. Holt took q
step forward to the side Of the Attorney
General. The imbecile President implored
them piteously to take their seats. After
a few more bitter words the meeting broke
up.
..-Fhat was the last Cabinet meeting on
that exciting question in which Floyd par
tieipated. Before another was called, all
Washington was startled with q rumor Of
those gigantic frauds which have made his
name 50 famous. AT first he tried to bra
zsn it out with his customary clustering
manner, but the next day the Cabinet
waited long for his appearance. At last
he came; UuU uuur u.F5r'Eistr Lsa- saeinn iiOn
was thrust into the room, and Floyd dissI'-
Deared from Washington. Such was the
end Of Floyd and the beginning Of Stan
ton.-St. Louis Republican.