Once he called upon General McClellan, and the President went over to the General's house — a process which I assure you has been reversed long since — and General McClellan decided he did not want to see the President, and went to bed.
Lincoln's friends criticized him severely for allowing a mere General to treat him that way. And he said, "All I want out of General McClellan is a victory, and if to hold his horse will bring it, I will gladly hold his horse."
"Remarks at the Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln", Hodgenville, Kentucky (April 23, 1954). The story originates from F. A. Mitchel, son and aide of General Mitchel.
