Description: |
On October 14, 1863, A.P. Hill’s corps stumbled upon two corps of the retreating Union army at
Bristoe Station and attacked without proper reconnaissance. Union soldiers of the II Corps, posted behind the
Orange & Alexandria Railroad embankment, mauled two brigades of Henry Heth’s division and captured a
battery of artillery. Hill reinforced his line but could make little headway against the determined defenders. After
this victory, the Federals continued their withdrawal to Centreville unmolested. Lee’s Bristoe offensive sputtered
to a premature halt. After minor skirmishing near Manassas and Centreville, the Confederates retired slowly to
Rappahannock River destroying the Orange & Alexandria Railroad as they went. At Bristoe Station, Hill lost
standing in the eyes of Lee, who angrily ordered him to bury his dead and say no more about it. |