Last updated: February 12, 2024
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Photo: NPS / Claire Hassler
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Second Battle of Manassas, Day Two, August 29, 1862, 7 p.m.
With his army reunited, Confederate General Robert E. Lee looked for an opportunity to strike the enemy. Lee proposed attacking the Federal left flank, which lay south of the Warrenton Turnpike. With evening drawing on, General James Longstreet proposed an alternative- a reconnaissance in force to secure a foothold near the enemy from which to launch a major attack the next morning.
About the same time, General John Pope erroneously concluded the Confederate army was retreating. The Federal commander quickly chose to mount a pursuit and ordered a Union division westward on the turnpike toward the small hamlet of Groveton. As the head of the Union column ascended this hill near sundown, it collided with Longstreet's troops making their reconnaissance.
Though darkness prevented any decisive action, the engagement temporarily altered battle plans and instilled caution on both sides. The action revealed the Confederate army was not in retreat, but the clash also denied the Rebels the foothold they sought near the Federal army. Before dawn the Confederates quietly pulled back to their original positions west of Groveton.