the Battle of Second Manassas

"Success and glory are in the advance; disaster and shame lurk in the rear."
--General John Pope

Fresh off a decisive victory at Chancellorsville, Robert E Lee marched his army north to cross the Potomac as he had the year before. The Federal army followed quickly behind, screening Washington and Baltimore. But on the eve of battle, Hooker was replaced by a fresh commander-in-chief, grizzled veteran George Meade. As the armies drew closer together, all roads led to a small town called Gettysburg. 
Picture
John Pope (left) and Robert E Lee (right)