Second Battle of Manassas

Lee sent Stonewall Jackson on a raid to cut Pope's communications before Pope could receive massive reinforcements. Marching nearly 25 miles a day, Jackson burned the supply depot at Manassas and then took position behind an unfinished railroad grade to await Lee with Longstreet's wing. Pope moved to crush Jackson. On August 29, 1862, as his units arrived, Pope attacked Jackson. Grover's spirited bayonet charge briefly broke through, and Kearny and Stevens forced back Jackson's left, but the Confederates held tenaciously. Lee and Longstreet arrived at noon, but diverted by Union movements to the south, Longstreet did not join the fighting except for Hood's collision with Hatch at dusk. On August 30, 1862, Pope, dismissing reports that Longstreet was concealed nearby, again attacked Jackson's front and was repulsed. Lee then counterattacked with Longstreet's fresh divisions. Warren's brigade was nearly annihilated, and Pope shifted units in a desperate effort to save his army from ruin. A stubborn stand on Henry Hill ended the battle. Union casualties were about 1700 killed, 8400 wounded, and 4200 missing, for a total of 14,300, while Lee lost about 1600 killed, 7800 wounded, and 100 missing, for a total of 9500.

Haymarket, Virginia · United States