I remember reading about that specific episode with McClellan, and wondering why Lincoln tolerated his insolence. I’ve never heard what McClellan’s relationship was with Stanton. I know Stanton didn’t have a very high opinion of Lincoln early on, but as the war progressed, he came to admire and respect him.
“I know Stanton didn’t have a very high opinion of Lincoln early on, but as the war progressed, he came to admire and respect him.”
About the best book I’ve read on any of this is Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals.” Most of his cabinet had a low opinion of Lincoln early on, but came to respect him greatly as the war progressed.