He came as one appointed to a great duty, not with rashness, not with weakness, not with bravado, not with shrinking, but in the perfect confidence of a just cause and with the stainless conscience of a good man.

Threats that he never should be inaugurated had been numerous and serious, and it must be credited to the administration of Mr.Buchanan, that ample provision had been made for the protection of the rightful ruler of the nation.
PATRIOTIC CONDUCT OF JOSEPH HOLT.
The active and practical loyalty of Joseph Holt in this crisis deserves honorable mention.

When, at the close of December, 1860, he succeeded Mr.Floyd as Secretary of War, no troops were stationed in Washington or its neighborhood.

After consultation with General Scott, then in command of the army, and with the full approval of President Buchanan, Secretary Holt thought it wise to make precautions for the safety of the National Capital.

Seven companies of artillery and one company of sappers and miners were accordingly brought to Washington.