War Story - 2nd Battle of Bull Run, Part 2: Jackson's Surprise and the Isolated Corps

Upon learning that Pope's army was attempting to encircle him, Jackson moved north from the Manassas area and took up a position near the site of the First Battle of Bull Run. He established a defensive line along an unfinished railroad embankment. Pope, believing Jackson was cut off from retreat, concentrated his forces. On August 28th, Union troops moving along the Warrenton Turnpike clashed with Jackson's forces at the Brauner farm. A short but fierce engagement ensued, but neither side achieved a decisive victory. This battle convinced Pope that Jackson was trapped within his lines, and he prepared for a major assault the following day. However, the reality was different from Pope's expectations. Lee was already moving a large force under Longstreet to reinforce Jackson. While the Union army attacked Jackson's corps, the Confederacy was concentrating its reinforcements on the battlefield. The key to the battle's outcome hinged on how long Jackson could withstand the Union assault.