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Second Battle of Bull Run | HearLore
— Ch. 1 · Lee's Gamble On The Peninsula —
Second Battle of Bull Run.
~15 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
In the summer of 1862, President Abraham Lincoln appointed John Pope to command a newly formed Army of Virginia. This decision followed the collapse of General George B. McClellan's Peninsula campaign during the Seven Days Battles in June. Lee perceived that McClellan posed no further threat on the Virginia Peninsula. He felt no compulsion to keep all his forces defending Richmond. This strategic shift allowed him to relocate Thomas J. Jackson to Gordonsville. His goal was to block Pope and protect the Virginia Central Railroad. Lee had larger plans than simply holding ground. Since the Union army was split between McClellan and Pope, he saw an opportunity to destroy Pope before returning his attention to McClellan. He committed A.P. Hill to join Jackson with 12,000 men. On August 3, General-in-Chief Henry Halleck directed McClellan to begin his final withdrawal from the Peninsula. McClellan protested and did not begin redeployment until August 14. By August 9, Nathaniel Banks's corps attacked Jackson at Cedar Mountain. A Confederate counterattack led by A.P. Hill drove Banks back across Cedar Creek. Jackson's advance stopped when Union division commander James B. Ricketts intervened. Pope believed he had trapped Jackson after learning his corps were all together. Lee sent Longstreet to reinforce Jackson on August 13. The two armies fought minor actions along the Rappahannock River from August 22 to 25. Heavy rains swollen the river and Lee could not force a crossing. Reinforcements from the Army of the Potomac arrived from the Peninsula. Lee decided to send Jackson and Stuart with half the army on a flanking march. They aimed to cut Pope's line of communication along the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. Pope would be forced to retreat while moving and vulnerable. Jackson departed on August 25 and reached Salem that night. On the evening of August 26, Jackson passed around Pope's right flank via Thoroughfare Gap. Before daybreak on August 27, they marched to capture and destroy the massive Union supply depot at Manassas Junction. This surprise movement forced Pope into an abrupt retreat from his defensive line along the Rappahannock. During the night of the 27th of August 28, Jackson marched north to the First Bull Run battlefield. He took position behind an unfinished railroad grade below Stony Ridge. The heavy woods allowed Confederates to conceal themselves while maintaining observation points of the Warrenton Turnpike. There were good approach roads for Longstreet to join Jackson or for Jackson to retreat if needed. The unfinished railroad grade offered cuts and fills usable as ready-made entrenchments. In the Battle of Thoroughfare Gap on August 28, Longstreet broke through light Union resistance. This action virtually ensured Pope's defeat during the coming battles because it united the two wings of Lee's army on the Manassas battlefield.
The Stalemate At Brawner Farm
The Second Battle of Bull Run began on August 28 as a Federal column moved along the Warrenton Turnpike near the farm of John Brawner. Units from Brigadier General Rufus King's division marched eastward to concentrate with the rest of Pope's army at Centreville. King was not present because he had suffered a serious epileptic attack earlier that day. Jackson displayed himself prominently by riding up next to marching Federals in his horse as a farmer. His presence was disregarded since the Federals had no interest in a seemingly harmless farmer. Concerned that Pope might be withdrawing his army behind Bull Run, Jackson determined to attack. He told his subordinates to bring out their men. At about 6:30 p.m., Confederate artillery began shelling the portion of the column to their front. This included John Gibbon's Black Hat Brigade later named the Iron Brigade. Gibbon responded with fire from Battery B, 4th U.S. Artillery. The artillery exchange halted King's column. Hatch's brigade proceeded past the area while Patrick's men sought cover in the rear. Gibbon and Doubleday were left to respond to Jackson's attack. Gibbon assumed these were merely horse artillery cannons from Jeb Stuart's cavalry. He sent staff officer Frank A. Haskell to bring the veteran 2nd Wisconsin Infantry up the hill. When the 430 men emerged from the woods on John Brawner's farm they quietly formed and advanced up the hill. They deployed skirmishers who drove back Confederate skirmishers. They soon received a heavy volley into their right flank by 800 men of the fabled Stonewall Brigade commanded by Colonel William S. Baylor. Absorbing the volley, the 2nd Wisconsin did not waver but replied with a devastating volley at Virginians in Brawner's orchard. The Confederates returned fire when lines were only apart. As units were added by both sides, battle lines remained close together trading mass volleys for over two hours. Jackson described the action as fierce and sanguinary. Gibbon added his 19th Indiana regiment. Jackson personally directed actions instead of passing orders to division commander Richard S. Ewell. He sent three Georgia regiments belonging to Alexander R. Lawton's brigade. Gibbon countered this advance with the 7th Wisconsin. Jackson ordered Isaac R. Trimble's brigade to support Lawton which met the last of Gibbon's regiments, the 6th Wisconsin. After Trimble entered the action, Gibbon needed to fill a gap between the 6th Wisconsin and other Iron Brigade regiments. Doubleday sent in the 56th Pennsylvania and 76th New York who advanced through woods checking new Confederate advance. These men arrived after dark while Trimble and Lawton launched uncoordinated assaults against them. Horse artillery under Captain John Pelham fired at the 19th Indiana from less than distance away. The engagement ended around 9 p.m. with Gibbon's men slowly retreating backwards still firing. They made their line at the edge of the woods. Doubleday's regiments retired to the turnpike in an orderly fashion. The fight was essentially a stalemate but at heavy cost with over 1,150 Union and 1,250 Confederate casualties. The 2nd Wisconsin lost 276 of 430 engaged. The Stonewall Brigade lost 340 out of 800. Two Georgia regiments each lost more than 70 percent. In all one of every three men engaged was shot. Confederate Brigadier General William B. Taliaferro wrote that there was no maneuvering and very little tactics. It was a question of endurance and both endured. Taliaferro was wounded as was Ewell whose left leg was shattered by a Minié ball. Jackson had not achieved decisive victory due to darkness and piecemeal deployment of forces. He attracted Pope's attention which became his strategic intent.
Frontal Assaults On Stony Ridge
At daybreak on August 29, Pope learned to his surprise and annoyance that Ricketts and King had withdrawn south. John Gibbon arrived at Centreville and informed Pope that retreat from Groveton was a mistake. Gibbon stated he had no idea what had become of McDowell. An infuriated Pope replied God damn McDowell. He never where supposed to be. Gibbon rode down to Manassas where he encountered Porter's troops resting and drawing rations. King exhausted and ill from epileptic attacks turned over command to John Hatch. McDowell spent most of previous day wandering aimlessly around Prince William County. In effect King would accompany Porter while Reynolds temporarily attached to Sigel's corps. Ricketts remained miles away at Bristoe Station leaving McDowell without any command. Pope remained firmly wedded to the idea that Jackson was in desperate situation almost trapped. This assumption depended on coordination of all corps and divisions under his command none of which were where intended. Result was Pope's complicated attack plans for August 29 ended as simple frontal assault by Sigel's corps only troops in position morning. I Corps widely considered one army's weakest links largely composed recent German immigrants speaking little English. Sigel though trained military officer was German-born promoted by Lincoln solely ability recruit and motivate these German-speaking Unionists. Many enlisted solely to fight under him. Having performed poorly against Jackson in Shenandoah Valley during spring fighting morale chronically low. Until Pope arrived Sigel ranking officer field overall charge battle. Pope intention move against Jackson both flanks. He ordered Fitz John Porter move toward Gainesville attack Confederate right flank. He ordered Sigel attack Jackson left at daybreak. Schurz's two brigades moving north Manassas-Sudley Road first contact Jackson men about 7 a.m. Actions Sigel attack A.P. Hill division typical all attacks near Stony Ridge day. Confederates maintained static defense absorbing Union blows following vigorous counterattacks. These same tactics Jackson would employ Battle Antietam few weeks later. Schurz's two brigades skirmished heavily with Gregg and Thomas committing forces piecemeal. Hand-to-hand combat ensued woods west Sudley Road Krzyzanowski brigade clashed Gregg's. Milroy heard sound battle right ordered brigade forward 82nd Ohio 5th West Virginia front 2nd West Virginia 4th West Virginia rear support troops. Two forward regiments immediately met volleys Confederate musket fire confusion 82nd Ohio found undefended ravine middle railroad embankment known Dump got rear Isaac Trimble Confederate brigade. Trimble quickly reinforced part Bradley Johnson Virginia brigade 82nd Ohio forced retreat. Its commander Colonel James Cantwell shot dead regiment fled panic causing 5th West Virginia behind also retreat disorder. Just 20 minutes fighting Milroy brigade took 300 casualties. Schenck Reynolds subjected heavy artillery barrage answered counterbattery fire avoided general advance infantry merely deploying skirmisers low-level firefight Jubal Early brigade. Meade brigade came across wounded men King division abandoned comrades left field night Medical personnel attempted evacuate many wounded ongoing firefight. With brigade shreds Milroy attempted rally survivors. He then came across Brigadier General Julius Stahel one Schenck brigadiers ordered him defend against any Confederate counterattack coming woods. Although hundred or so Confederates bounding out woods pursuit quickly driven back artillery fire Stahel returned original position south turnpike. Assuming Kearny division III Corps poised support him Schurz ordered another assault Hill around 10 a.m. Now Schimmelfennig brigade plus 1st New York Kearny division come reinforce Krzyzanowski. Fighting woods west Sudley Road resumed standstill until 14th Georgia came down reinforce South Carolinans. They let loose multiple volleys musket fire sent Krzyzanowski men running panic. Confederates charging disorganized mass Union troops clubbing bayoneting knifing resisters exited woods open ground Union artillery positioned Dogan Ridge opened fire forced them retreat. North Schimmelfennig three regiments 61st Ohio 74th Pennsylvania 8th West Virginia engaged part Gregg Branch brigades forced retreat. Kearny however did not move forward. His three brigades marched banks Bull Run Creek Orlando Poe brigade forded creek. Arrival Poe's brigade aroused panic Jackson headquarters dreaded scenario Union troops getting rear seemed turning reality. Jackson ordered wagons evacuated area Maj John Pelham horse artillery wheeled position. Horse artillery several companies 1st Virginia Cavalry engaged firefight Poe brigade several minutes. Nobody Union side realized they getting rear Confederate line sight gray infantry distance enough discourage Poe advancing further pulled back across creek. Robinson brigade remained position along banks creek Birney seven regiments scattered one directed support corps artillery Matthews Hill another held idly reserve remaining three accompanied Poe banks creek until Confederate artillery fire too hot joined skirmishing A.P. Hill troops. Sigel satisfied progress battle far assuming merely supposed perform holding action Pope arrived. By 1 p.m. sector reinforced division Joseph Hooker III Corps brigade Isaac Stevens IX Corps. Pope also arrived battlefield Sigel graciously ceded command him. He expected see culmination victory instead found Sigel attack failed completely Schurz Milroy troops shot up disorganized incapable further action. Reynolds Schenck divisions fresh committed guarding army left flank. However Heintzelman corps two divisions Reno available giving total eight fresh brigades Pope assumed McDowell field McClellan come Washington DC II VI Corps. Instead no sign any troops anywhere. Pope momentarily considered withdrawing Centreville worried political fallout result seen insufficiently aggressive. Around time messenger arrived delivered Pope note announcing McDowell corps close soon field. Pope decided drive Jackson center. Longstreet initial units positioned Jackson right. Brigadier General John Bell Hood division straddled turnpike loosely connected Jackson right flank. To Hood right divisions James L. Kemper David R Neighbor Jones. Cadmus M. Wilcox division arrived last placed reserve.
The Collapse Of The Union Left
At 4:30 p.m., Pope finally sent explicit order Porter attack but aide lost way did not deliver message until 6:30 p.m. In event Porter in no better position attack then earlier day. Anticipation attack would not come Pope ordered Kearny attack Jackson far left flank intending put strong pressure both ends line. At 5 p.m. Kearny sent Robinson Birney brigades surging forward A.P. Hill exhausted division. Brunt attack fell Maxcy Gregg brigade defended against two major assaults over eight hours day nearly out ammunition addition lost most officers. As they fell back edge hillside Gregg lopped wildflowers old Revolutionary War scimitar remarked Let us die here my men let us die here. Both Thomas Gregg brigades verge disintegrating A.P. Hill sent message Jackson calling help. Daniel Leasure brigade Isaac Stevens division crept south forced back James Archer Tennessee brigade. Jubal Early Lawrence O'Bryan Branch counterattacked drove back Kearny division. During fighting Charles W. Field severely wounded command brigade fallen Col John M. Brockenbrough 40th Virginia. On Confederate right Longstreet observed movement McDowell force away front I Corps moving divisions Henry House Hill support Reynolds. Report caused Lee revive plan offensive sector. Longstreet again argued inadequate time before dusk suggested day being far spent might well advance before night forced reconnaissance get troops favorable positions have things ready battle next morning. To this General Lee reluctantly gave consent Hood division sent forward. As soon McDowell arrived Pope headquarters latter urged move King division forward. McDowell informed Pope King fallen ill relinquished command Brigadier General John P. Hatch whom Pope taken considerable disliking early campaign. Hatch originally led cavalry brigade failed carry order Pope raid down Richmond outskirts. Displeased Pope reassigned Hatch infantry command. He now ordered Hatch go Sudley Road attack but Hatch protested road clogged Kearny troops impossible clear way darkness. Exasperated Pope repeated order Hatch advance Confederate right soon distracted actions going other side line. John Hood division arrived Jackson right McDowell ordered Hatch reinforce Reynolds despite Hatch protests two three brigades Gibbon Doubleday exhausted fight Brawner Farm previous day. Hatch deployed Doubleday brigade out front. Hood division forced Hatch Reynolds position Bald Hill overrunning Chinn Ridge process. Night fell Hood pulled back exposed position. Longstreet subordinates again argued Lee should not attacking force considered placed strong defensive position third time Lee cancelled planned assault. Hood withdrawal Chinn Ridge only reinforced Pope belief enemy retreating. When Pope learned Buford report finally acknowledged Longstreet field optimistically assumed Longstreet there reinforce entire Confederate army withdraw Hood division in fact just done that. Pope issued explicit orders Porter corps rejoin main body army planned offensive August 30. Historian A. Wilson Greene argues this worst decision battle. Since no longer numerical superiority Confederates did possess geographical advantage prudent course would have been withdraw army Bull Run unite McClellan Army Potomac which had 25,000 men nearby. That evening Pope wired Halleck report day fighting describing severe estimating losses 7000, 8000 men. He estimated Confederate losses twice many extremely incorrect given Jackson fighting mostly defensive battle. Although Confederate casualties lower officer losses high aside loss two division commanders August 28 three brigade commanders Trimble Field Henry Forno wounded. For comparison one Union brigade commander wounded Col Daniel Leasure no general officers.
The Scapegoat And The Silence
Pope relieved command September 12 army merged Army Potomac marched Maryland under McClellan. He spent remainder war Department Northwest Minnesota dealing Dakota War 1862. Pope sought scapegoats spread blame defeat November 25 Fitz John Porter arrested court-martialed actions August 29. Porter found guilty the 10th of January 1863 disobedience misconduct dismissed from service. Union casualties about 14,462 out 70,000 engaged including 1,747 killed 8,452 wounded 4,263 captured missing. Confederates casualties about 7,387 out 55,000 engaged including 1,096 killed 6,202 wounded 89 captured missing. Chantilly As Union army concentrated Centreville Lee planned next move sent Jackson another flanking march attempt interpose army between Pope Washington. Pope countered move forces clashed final time Battle Chantilly also known Ox Hill September 1. Lee immediately began next campaign September 3 vanguard Army Northern Virginia crossed Potomac River marching toward fateful encounter Army Potomac Maryland campaign Battle Antietam. Longstreet counterattack crushed Union left flank forced precipitous retreat to Bull Run. Only effective Union rear guard action prevented replay First Manassas defeat. Success battle emboldened Lee initiate ensuing Maryland campaign. Casualties review human cost engagement direct impact subsequent Maryland Campaign political fallout Union leadership. Union losses significantly higher than Confederate despite similar numbers engaged. The battle marked turning point Northern Virginia campaign shifting momentum decisively Confederate favor.
The Human Cost And Political Fallout
Union casualties totaled approximately 14,462 men from an engagement of 70,000 troops. This included 1,747 killed and 8,452 wounded with 4,263 captured or missing. Confederate casualties reached about 7,387 from 55,000 engaged including 1,096 killed and 6,202 wounded plus 89 captured or missing. The disparity in officer losses proved particularly damaging for the Confederacy. Three brigade commanders Trimble Field Forno fell wounded during fighting. Only one Union brigade commander Daniel Leasure suffered injury. Chantilly clash occurred September 1 when Pope countered Jackson flanking march attempt interpose army between Pope Washington. Lee immediately began next campaign September 3 vanguard Army Northern Virginia crossed Potomac River marching toward fateful encounter Army Potomac Maryland campaign Battle Antietam. Pope relieved command September 12 army merged Army Potomac marched Maryland under McClellan. He spent remainder war Department Northwest Minnesota dealing Dakota War 1862. Pope sought scapegoats spread blame defeat November 25 Fitz John Porter arrested court-martialed actions August 29. Porter found guilty the 10th of January 1863 disobedience misconduct dismissed from service. The battle marked turning point Northern Virginia campaign shifting momentum decisively Confederate favor. Success emboldened Lee initiate ensuing Maryland campaign. Casualties review human cost engagement direct impact subsequent Maryland Campaign political fallout Union leadership. Union losses significantly higher than Confederate despite similar numbers engaged.
When did the Second Battle of Bull Run begin and end?
The Second Battle of Bull Run began on the 28th of August 1862, and concluded with the final clash at Chantilly on the 1st of September 1862. The main fighting occurred from August 28 through the 30th of August 1862.
Who commanded the Union forces during the Second Battle of Bull Run?
Major General John Pope commanded the Army of Virginia during the Second Battle of Bull Run in August 1862. Pope was relieved of command on the 12th of September 1862, after the battle resulted in a Confederate victory.
What were the total casualties for the Union army in the Second Battle of Bull Run?
Union casualties totaled approximately 14,462 men out of 70,000 engaged troops including 1,747 killed and 8,452 wounded. An additional 4,263 soldiers were captured or missing during the engagement.
How many Confederate soldiers died or were injured in the Second Battle of Bull Run?
Confederate casualties reached about 7,387 men out of 55,000 engaged including 1,096 killed and 6,202 wounded. Eighty-nine Confederate soldiers were also captured or missing during the battle.
Why did Fitz John Porter get court-martialed after the Second Battle of Bull Run?
Fitz John Porter was arrested on the 25th of November 1862, and found guilty of disobedience and misconduct on the 10th of January 1863. Pope sought scapegoats for the defeat and blamed Porter for actions taken on the 29th of August 1862.