How many commanders in the east did Lincoln go through before he settled with Grant?

The unfortunate McDowall, who was pushed into the Battle of Bull Run before he was ready.

The popular but over-cautious McLellan, who was politically opposed to Lincoln and mistrusted by most of the cabinet.

The loud-mouthed, untalented Pope, sent packing at Second Bull Run.

The decent, plodding Burnside, who had bad luck with the weather.

The energetic and inspiring Hooker, wrong-footed by the last brilliant tactical triumph of Lee and Jackson before the latter's fatal shooting.

The solid and dependable Meade, who gained huge credibility by winning Gettysburg, only days after being appointed Army Commander.

Then Grant - not directly commanding the Army of the Potomac (still under Meade), but travelling with it in his mobile HQ as General-in-Chief.