Chapter 116: Treasury Secretary Howell Cobb resigns from the Cabinet.

The Georgian has long been the voice of moderation in the South, and his departure on December 8 signals the death knell for the Union. He writes to his constituents:

I entertain no doubt either of your right or duty to secede from the Union.
Arouse, then, all your manhood for the great work before you, and be prepared
on that day to announce and maintain your independence out of the Union, for
you will never again have equality and justice in it. Identified with you in heart,
feeling and interest, I return to share in whatever destiny the future has in store
for our State and ourselves.

Cobb will go on to become a Brigadier in the CSA army and President of its Congress.