|
August 9, 1862
Estimated Casualties : 2,707 total
(US 1,400; CS 1,307)
In 1862, after Union troops were driven away from the Confederate capital in the
Seven Days battles, the Lincoln Administration turned to Major General
John Pope. Pope forged an army out of the several
Union commands defeated by Stonewall Jackson in the Valley and christened the
new fighting force the Army of Virginia .
Concerned by Pope's move to Culpeper Court House and his proclamations against
Southern civilians, Robert E. Lee quickly dispatched Stonewall Jackson
to Gordonsville with the order: "I want Pope to be suppressed."
|
|
|
|
John Pope
|
Robert E. Lee
|
"Stonewall" Jackson
|
A. P. Hill
|
Outnumbered by Pope's forces, Jackson looked for an opportunity to strike.
Pope unwittingly divided his army along the Rapidan River. Jackson then advanced
hoping to isolate a portion of Pope's army near Culpeper.
Although he had been reinforced by Major General A.P. Hill's large "Light
Division ," Jackson was
hampered by poor roads and problematic orders.
Jackson vented his frustrations on A.P. Hill, sparking the most celebrated
feud in the history of Lee's lieutenants.
Pressing forward towards Culpeper on August 9, 1862, Jackson's troops
encountered Union cavalry blocking the
road near Cedar Run. Confederate Brigadier General Jubal A. Early formed a
line of infantry and artillery perpendicular to
the road with the right of the Southern line anchored on the shoulder of Cedar
(or Slaughter's) Mountain.
|
  |