The following conversation occurred in Washington in early 1861 between fellow West Point alumni Irvin McDowell and William T. Sherman, both seeking commands in the newly-forming Union Army:

McDowell: “Hello, Sherman, what [rank] did you ask for?”
Sherman: “A colonelcy.”
McDowell: “What? You should have asked for a brigadier general’s rank. You’re just as fit for it as I am.”
Sherman: “I know!”