SECOND MANASSAS
AUGUST 28-30 1862
PRELUDE
Major General John Pope [US]
General Robert E. Lee and Major General Thomas J. Jackson [CS]
FIRST DAY
In order to draw Popes army into battle, Jackson ordered an attack on a Federal column that was passing across his front on the Warrenton Turnpike on August 28. The fighting at Brawner Farm lasted several hours and resulted in a stalemate. Pope became convinced that he had trapped Jackson and concentrated the bulk of his army against him.
SECOND DAY
On August 29, Pope launched a series of assaults against Jacksons position along an unfinished railroad grade. The attacks were repulsed with heavy casualties on both sides. At noon, Longstreet arrived on the field from Thoroughfare Gap and took position on Jacksons right flank.
THIRD DAY
On August 30, Pope renewed his attacks, seemingly unaware that Longstreet was on the field. When massed Confederate artillery devastated a Union assault by Fitz John Porters command, Longstreets wing of 28,000 men counterattacked in the largest, simultaneous mass assault of the war. The Union left flank was crushed and the army driven back to Bull Run. Only an effective Union rearguard action prevented a replay of the First Manassas disaster. Popes retreat to Centreville was precipitous, nonetheless. The next day, Lee ordered his army in pursuit. This was the decisive battle of the Northern Virginia Campaign.
AFTERMATH
RESULT
CONFEDERATE VICTORY
CASUALTIES
UNION TROOPS..............................63000 KILLED.................................1747 WOUNDED...........................8452 CAPTURED OR MISSING...4263 |
CONFEDERACY TROOPS..............................54000 KILLED..................................1553 WOUNDED............................7812 CAPTURED OR MISSING.......109 |
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SECOND MANASSAS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION