The New York herald., 1862-01-25
The New Secretary OF War In Buchanan,s
Cabinent.

THE END OF FLOYD AND THE BEGINNING OF STANTON.
From the st. Louis Republican, Jan. POL
year ago, when General Cass-grieved and indig
nant-eft Mr. Buchanans Cabinet, Mr. Attorney General
Black transferred to the portfolio Of State and Mr.
Stanton, then absent from Washington was fixed upon
Attorney General. The night he arrived at
late hour and learned from his family Of his appoint.
ment Knowing the character Of the bold bad men
then in the ascendcncy in the Cabinet he determined at
once to decline; but when. the next day. he announced
distressed and helpless President the arguments Of
Mr.. Black, prevailed upon him to accept.
At the first meeting Of the Cabinet which he attended,
the condition Of the seeded States and be pur
sued with the garrison at Fort Sumter discussed
Floyd and Thompson dwelling upon the irritation Of
the Southern heaft and the folly of continuing use.
less garrison to increase the irritation" No one for
may proposed any Of action but the designs
the consprators plain to the Attorney General
He went home troubled He had intended coming in
late day remain quiet member Of this discor-
dant council But 1t in his nature to sit quiet
longer under such utterances
The next meeting q long and stormy one Mr..
Holt feeby seconded by the President, urging the i'm
mediate reinforcement Of Sumter, while Thompson,
Floyd and Thomas contended that quasi treaty had
been made by the officers Of the government with
leaders Of the rebellion to offer resistance their
violations Of law and seizures Of property
Floyd especially blazed with Indignation at what he
formed the "vioation Of honor" AT last Mr. Thompson
formally moved that an imperative order be issued TO
Major Anderson TO retire from Sumter to Fort Mourie-
abandoning Sumter TO the enemy and proceeding to o
post whore he must at once surrender.
Stanton could sit still no longer and rising, he said,
with all the carnesnoss that could be expressed In his
bold and resOlute features Mr President it is my duty
your legal adviser say that you have right to
give up the property Of the government abandon the
soldiers OF the United States TO its enemies and the
course proposed by the Secretary Of tho Interior,
II followed treason and will involve you and all
cerned In treason" Such language had before
been heard in Buchanans Cabinet, and the who had
long ruled and buiod the President, surprised
and enragsd to be thus rebuked. Floyd and Thompson
sprang TO their feet with fierce menacing gestures
ing about TO assault Stanton Mr.. Holt took step for
the side Of the Attorney General The imbecile
President implored them piteously to take their
After few more bitter words the meeting broke up
That the last Cabinet meeting that exciting ques
ton in which Floyd participated Before another
called all Washington startled with of those
gigantic frauds which have made his name so infamous
At first he tried TO brazen out with his customary blus
tering manner but the dag the Cabinet waited long
for his appearance At last he came the door opened
his resignation thrust into the room, and Floyd dis
appeared from Washington Such the end Of Floyd
and the beginning of Stanton.