October 24, 1862, Lincoln to McClellan

Following the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg) on September 17, 1862, Lincoln was frustrated by General George McClellan's unwillingness to pursue the Rebels. After McClellan wired the general-in-chief justifying the lack of advance by the poor condition of his army's horses, Lincoln stepped in. The president fired back "about sore-tongued and fatiegued [sic] horses," demanding to know "what the horses of your army have done since the battle of Antietam that fatigue anything?"