 The dispute with Scott became increasingly personal . Scott ( as well as many in the War Department ) was outraged that McClellan refused to divulge any details about his strategic planning , or even such basic information as the strengths and dispositions of his units . McClellan claimed he could not trust anyone in the administration to keep his plans secret from the press , and thus the enemy . In the course of a disagreement about defensive forces on the Potomac River , McClellan wrote to his wife on August 10 : " Genl Scott is the great obstacle — he will not comprehend the danger & is either a traitor , or an incompetent . I have to fight my way against him . " Scott became so disillusioned with the young general that he offered his resignation to President Lincoln , who initially refused to accept it . Rumors traveled through the capital that McClellan might resign , or instigate a military coup , if Scott were not removed . Lincoln 's Cabinet met on October 18 and agreed to accept Scott 's resignation for " reasons of health . " 
