On this day in the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln and personal secretary John Hay visit General George McClellan to discuss issues with the army. McClellan is not home and Lincoln waits over a half hour for the general’s arrival. McClellan enters the home, passes by Lincoln without acknowledging him, and proceeds upstairs. Lincoln waits additional time and asks McClellan’s servant to please get the general. The servant returns and tells Lincoln that the general has gone to bed. John Hay is livid and tells Lincoln that he cannot be treated this way. Lincoln responds, “I would hold McClellan’s horse if he would bring us victory.”
President Abraham Lincoln with his secretaries John Hay (standing) and John Nicolay
(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)
The Civil War Book 