The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-08-30
By G. N. Saussy.

Second Manassas may prove of in
terest on this, the forty-second ami
versary of that great battle.
State and United States troops will
soon assemble upon the famous Ma
nassas Battlefield battlefield with
some curious historical paradoxies-
where mimic war, under new and
changed conditions, will characterize
the encampment. Breech-loading can
non and magazine rifles make possible
far different conditions from those
which confronted Beauregard and Nc
DowelI in July, 1861, or Lee and Pope
in August, 1862. An odd feature OF
these two famous battles was the re-
versing of the lines of battle.
In the First Manassas, McDowel's
main attack was delivered upon the
Confederate left, forcing that wing to
form line facing west. and at right
angIessto the line of Bull Run-Beau-
regards line of defense.
In the Second Manassas, after des-
polling the Federal stores at Manassas
Junction, Jackson took his position
near the old battlefield, facing east
the direction McDowells troops as
sumed in 81. Pope attacked from the
direction of Beauregard's old align
ment, yet the tickle goddess, Victory,
perched first upon the STARS and Bars"
then upon the Star crossed Banner"
McClellan's cautious advance up the
peninsula, and his indecisive collision
with Johnston at Seven Pines, had
given the Federal commander a modi-
cum of confidence, yet his faith was
pinned to greater security in more
troops; and he called Justify upon his
government for new levies, but with
out securing the full measure of his
desires.
Lees Plan of Campaign.
Lee interrupted McClellan's projects
with a well-developed plan of battle,
and in the seven. days disrupted the fed
eral commanders purpose and mis-
army, delivering a stroke of military
paralysis that sent the blue soldiers
to Harrison's Landing for a season of
recuperation, under the protection of
Goldsborough's guns.
Inactivity was not feature of Lees
and Jacksons methods, when there
was work to do. The latter especially
believed in the scriptural injunction,
Whatsoever thy hands findeth to do,
do it with thy might" And Lee saw
the opportunity. He was satisfied the
need of rest forbid Mcclellan under
taking any activity while nursing his
attack of paralysis. A serious menace
had doomed up in Northern Virginia.
The federal general-in-chief had Or
ganized a new army, styling it the
Army of Virginia, and had placed this
force under a new son of Mars, the
magnetic Pope. This new commander
of the federal. arms in Virginia had ac-
quired a quasi reputation in some of
the spring actions in the Middle West
that impressed Halleck with his ge-
MUS. Bombastic orders and unneces-
sary harshness to women, children and
non combattants were, however, his
chief claims for fame in Virginia. His.
lhdTea sing strength became a matter
of concern to Lee. Deeming it best
to give a personal investigation to
Pope's plans and purposes, he dis
patched jackson the middle of July to
the line of the Rapidan to investi-
gate.
Jackson had taken less than 10000
troops, and ascertaning Pope's force
to number Al 900 he advised Gen. Lee
that additional troops were necessary.
Accordingly, A. +. Hill was pushed
forward to Gordonsville and on July
p Jackson's command numbered 49,
623 men. Pope sent forward Jackson's
old Valley commissary, Banks, and
these old antagonists again measured
strength on Aug. 9, on the slopes OF
Slaughter's mountain. Night prevent
ed Jackson repeating his experience
in the valley.
Satisfied that McClellan's attack of
paralysis would continue for some
time Lee rapidly reinforced Jackson
and moved to the new front to assume
personal direction of affairs. Lees
movement acted as a wonderful stimu-
10 NJ he
came a race which should reach Pope
first, the Army of Northern Virginia,
or the Potomac army.
Kept After Pope.
DESTROYS of anticipating Mcclellan,
Lee pressed Pope for another inter-
view. That with Jackson on the 9th
did not favorably impress Pope, and
he was 10th to permit another, this
time with the great Virginian. His
headquarters-in-th e-saddle being of
easy movement, and finding the air of
Slaughter's mountain i'll adapted to
the health of his army, he sought
more suitable location on the north
bank of the Rappahannock. The sum-
mer rains had so filled the river, Lee
was deferred further civilities CD as
the high water precluded his crossing
with safety and comfort. To be neigh
borly, however, he kept up a noisy
Longstreet's artillery and rifemen,
while Jackson and Stuart sought a
more questionable interview by way of
Pope's back-premises. Jackson, with
his foot cavalry, and Stuart with his
"creeter company" passing rapidly to
the Upper Rappahannock, pushed on
with steady speed, nor slackened their
gait, until Pope's great supply sta
ton, Manassas Junction, with it's inn
mense stores, was in their hands. How
those hungry, weary boys in gray
Toasted! Luxuries that had been but
member again tickeled their palates
and made glad the hearts (and stom-
achs) of these tired fellows.
This act of Jackson was deemed by
Pope a gross breach of military ETH
quette and he determined to resent this
poaching upon his preserves (both
fruits and meats). Waving his hand
to Lee, he pushed backward with the
full intent and purpose Of "bagging"
the audacious Stonewall. But Jackson
did not propose to be a party to the
bagging" act. Destroying what stores
he could not utilize or move. he vacated
the back premises" and marched TO
the proximity of the old battle ground.
Some writers and critics think jack
son devoid of sentiment, but his taxi
ing position in proximity TO the spot
where the year before, Bee had bap-
tized him the great "Stonewall." he
turned his back to the mountains and
faced the Army of Virginia.
Pope Lost His Head.