"I have lost this battle because my force was too small. The Government must not & cannot hold me responsible for the result . . . . I have seen too many dead & wounded comrades to feel otherwise than that the Government has not sustained this army. If I save this army now, I tell you plainly that I owe no thanks to you or any other persons in Washington. You have done your best to sacrifice this army."
This was a shocking telegram, inasmuch as it was sent by Gen. George B. McClellan to his superiors in Washington, D.C., after the Seven Days Battles in 1862. Those who've served in uniform would be shocked more than others: A general officer--any officer--denying responsibility this way would be ostracized by all around him.
