By Wednesday, October 14, 1863 Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia, using a pattern similar to that of the Second Battle of Manassas in 1862, closed in on Manassas and Washington, D.C. George Meade, now aware of Lee’s position, moved his Union forces quickly to interdict Lee.
At Bristoe Station, Virginia General A.P. Hill’s Confederates attacked rear units of Meade’s army but were not strong enough to defeat the Federals. Lee forced Meade’s army back near the Potomac. However, Meade assumed a strong defensive position which ironically inhibited his ability to attack Lee.
Lee’s campaign had become one of constant maneuvering, with several lost opportunities both on the Confederate and Union side of the equation. Within a week, Lee would withdraw from the Manassas area, ending his campaign.