Field Commander Lee Second Manassas

With Richmond safe and McClellan in retreat, Lee marched north, hoping to take advantage of the divide that separated the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Virginia, commanded by the more-aggressive Pope. The Northern Virginia campaign started properly on July 19, but in the game we focus on the final days.

Despite some early, inconclusive skirmishing starting on August 22, heavy rains had swollen the Rappahannock River, making it impossible for Lee to cross and engage Pope directly. Instead, Jackson, along with JEB Stuart, led his divisions, comprising the Left Wing, north at a rapid speed to destroy the Union supply station at Manassas Junction.  Pope, now outflanked and in danger of having his supply line cut, raced back to engage Jackson. Though arriving later, Longstreet's Right Wing was able to pivot into Thoroughfare Gap, unite with Jackson's Left Wing and drive the Army of Virginia from the battlefield.