How Buchanan's cabinet moved toward a Union position

Howell Cobb resigns as Treasury secretary because Georgia is moving toward secession, while Lewis Cass leaves the State Department because the administration has not reinforced Charleston. The reshuffle places Jeremiah Black, Philip F. Thomas, and Stanton in new cabinet roles, though the cabinet has yet to find a settled voice. John B. Floyd presses for Anderson's withdrawal and argues that the president's pledge has been broken. Stanton answers that such an order would amount to treason. The exchange shows the administration moving toward a firmer Union position while Buchanan still hesitates.