More than once afterward, General Lee--to use his own expression--thought of "swapping queens," that is to say, advancing upon Washington, without regard to the capture of Richmond; and President Lincoln, with that excellent good sense which he generally exhibited, felt that the loss of Washington would prove almost fatal to the Federal cause .-- Such was the origin of the President's preference for the Manassas line.

General McClellan did not share it.

He assented it seems at first, but soon resolved to adopt another plan--an advance either from Urbanna on the Rappahannock, or from West Point on the York.

Against his views and determination, the President and authorities struggled in vain.
McClellan treated their arguments and appeals with a want of ceremony amounting at times nearly to contempt; he adhered to his own plan resolutely, and in the end the President gave way.

In rueful protest against the continued inactivity of General McClellan, President Lincoln had exclaimed, "If General McClellan does not want to use the army, I would like to borrow it;" and "if something is not soon done, the bottom will be out of the whole affair." At last General McClellan carried his point, and an advance against Richmond from the Peninsula was decided upon.