Publisher's Synopsis
Jealousy and infighting, along with continued interference from Washington left the Union high command completely without purpose. Troops sat idle, or marched to strategically ineffective locations. The Battle of Cedar Mountain would be claimed as a victory by both sides. The Union Army under Pope was nearly destroyed in the second Battle at Manassas Junction. The inability of the federal army leaders to work together, in direct contrast to the Confederate leaders under Lee, puts Washington in danger once again. Pope is relieved and McClellan once again assumes command of Union forces. Lee would move away from the encamped federal troops near Washington and head for the rich resources of Pennsylvania and the Shenandoah Valley. McClellan was ordered keep watch on Washington and it looked as if the South would have the freedom to move through Maryland unchecked....until Harper's Ferry and Antietam.
