2nd Manassas Second Manassas/Bull Run

I have spent the last several years studying this campaign in detail, as I am now researching to do a new book-length study of the Battle of Cedar Mountain, and the more I study it, the more I appreciate it.

Lee inflicted three major defeats on Pope's troops during the short and unhappy life of the Army of Virginia, ultimately causing it to seek to exist less than 60 days after its birth, and with no major losses in the Confederate command structure. Yes, Lee suppressed the miscreant Pope. I completely agree that Second Bull Run was his greatest victory.
 
I think in the current evolution of Civil War historiography Second Bull Run / Manassas is seen as part of the run-up to Antietam and the Emancipation Proclamation in much the same way as Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville are overshadowed by Gettysburg. This is a shame because it has signifcance in its own right. I agree with Eric, IMO it was Lee's greatest victory.
 
I agree it was a solid victory for Lee, and certainly ranks up there among his best, but I'm still partial to Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville...
Fredericksburg because the victory was so one sided
Chancellorsville because he was outnumbered, divided his army twice and convinced Hooker that the AOP was defeated
 
I have spent the last several years studying this campaign in detail, as I am now researching to do a new book-length study of the Battle of Cedar Mountain, and the more I study it, the more I appreciate it.

Lee inflicted three major defeats on Pope's troops during the short and unhappy life of the Army of Virginia, ultimately causing it to seek to exist less than 60 days after its birth, and with no major losses in the Confederate command structure. Yes, Lee suppressed the miscreant Pope. I completely agree that Second Bull Run was his greatest victory.


I agree. Jackson could of been totally destroyed at Second Manassas and people fail to realize that at Second Manassas Lee lost some of his greatest soldiers as in enlisted. I grew up in Warrenton VA even though I am of Italian and Irish orgin my roots are from up Noth. But Pope did one of a thing to the citizens of Culpeper.
 
Eric, I miss the good ol days of the Gettysburg Discussion Group of the 90s. I was very young, but my father took me to the event of every year.
 
I agree it was a solid victory for Lee, and certainly ranks up there among his best, but I'm still partial to Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville...
Fredericksburg because the victory was so one sided
Chancellorsville because he was outnumbered, divided his army twice and convinced Hooker that the AOP was defeated
I definately agree.Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg were some of Lee's greatest victory.
Second Mannassas is completely overlooked. It seemed like a small battle from what they say in the text books.
In truth Lee won a strategic victory against Pope. For J.S. Johnston i'd say Kennesaw mtn.
 
Eric, I miss the good ol days of the Gettysburg Discussion Group of the 90s. I was very young, but my father took me to the event of every year.

Me too. Those days were lots of fun. My understanding is that the Lawrence brothers aren't even really involved any more.

You have the advantage of knowing who I am, but I don't have that luxury....who are you?
 
My name is Eddie Longo. I was good friends with the Humphries (I think that's how you spell it) family who lived here in Warrenton VA. I remember the cookout etc It was a big event. I go gettysburg anymore and to me it just doesn't have that feel. I don't like the fact they charge to see the artifacts when in fact they belong to all of us. The Humphries family had an adapted son from South Korea.
 
My name is Eddie Longo. I was good friends with the Humphries (I think that's how you spell it) family who lived here in Warrenton VA. I remember the cookout etc It was a big event. I go gettysburg anymore and to me it just doesn't have that feel. I don't like the fact they charge to see the artifacts when in fact they belong to all of us. The Humphries family had an adapted son from South Korea.

I remember them. Thanks for re-introducing yourself to me, Eddie. I'm not as young as I used to be, and a lot of years have gone by from those early days.
 
2nd manassas is totally underrated in the grand scheme of Lee's victories. It's also the least written about for some reason too. I do look forward to Eric's book once it is done.
 
I have spent the last several years studying this campaign in detail, as I am now researching to do a new book-length study of the Battle of Cedar Mountain, and the more I study it, the more I appreciate it.

Lee inflicted three major defeats on Pope's troops during the short and unhappy life of the Army of Virginia, ultimately causing it to seek to exist less than 60 days after its birth, and with no major losses in the Confederate command structure. Yes, Lee suppressed the miscreant Pope. I completely agree that Second Bull Run was his greatest victory.
Why do you call Pope a miscreant?
 
I'm particularly impressed by the maneuver and battle of Chantilly at the end of the campaign. Many generals would have been content to have the enemy defeated and in retreat, but Lee made the extra effort to try to finish him off, splitting his inferior force - sound familiar? - and trying to cut off part of Pope's army before it could reunite with McClellan's forces redeploying from the Peninsula. Excellent grasp of the overall situation IMO, seeking to defeat his more powerful enemy in detail.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top