With Malice Toward None

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition    

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“Distinct and Different Plans”

“Distinct and Different Plans” (135.00.00)

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General George B. McClellan stated his objections to the president’s Special War Order No. 1 in a lengthy letter to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Lincoln read the letter and, in deference to McClellan’s supposed superior knowledge in military affairs, attempted to engage his general in reasoned discourse. In the end, however, Lincoln allowed McClellan to have his way, with disastrous results.

(Transcription)

You and I have distinct and different plans for a movement of the Army of the Patomac. Yours to be down the Chesapeake ...


General George B. McClellan stated his objections to the president’s Special War Order No. 1 in a lengthy letter to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Lincoln read the letter and, in deference to McClellan’s supposed superior knowledge in military affairs, attempted to engage his general in reasoned discourse. In the end, however, Lincoln allowed McClellan to have his way, with disastrous results.