I sometimes feel sorry for McClellan, given how his reputation has suffered in the past 150 years. Then I remember that he earned this reputation, and I don’t feel sorry at all.
I found a Lincoln quote last night that was brand new to me, and I’m enjoying it immensely:
Gen. McClellan and I are to be photographed… if we can be still long enough. I feel Gen. M. should have no problem. – A. Lincoln
It appears he didn't.
EDIT: To commemmorate this awesome zinger, I’ve created a quote print.
… if only because he never advanced!
I found this fun dig at Little Mac in McSweeney’s:
CIVIL WAR GENERAL GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN ADDRESSES HIS TROOP OF TEN-YEAR-OLDS IN A GAME OF CAPTURE THE FLAG WHILE WAITING FOR HIS RETINUE OF HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES.
Excerpt:
“My decisions have not always been popular, I know. But, children, I had specific reasons for ordering you not to chase those three Red players the last time they invaded. Did any of you want a repeat of the first time you tried that? The chaos? Sure, we caught two of their slower ones, but at what risk! Our defenses could have broken, my carriages had not yet arrived, and our proud Blue flag could be in enemy hands as we speak.”