Joseph W. A. Whitehorne
Published: 1990
Total Pages: 80
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“We study our military past not only to draw inspiration from the exploits of those American soldiers and their commanders who went before us, but also to sharpen our knowledge and understanding of the art of war, thereby equipping us for the military challenges of the futre. It is our belief that the careful study of battlefields, such as Second Manassas allows today’s military students to understand better the complexities and inevitable pressures of warfare. It can also provide them the chance to reflect on and assess military operations, an opportunity rarely attainable in the daily execution of their craft. This is the third in a series of booklets on American battlefields intended to help soldiers use the past to enhance their understanding of the Army’s future.” Foreword by Michael D. Krause, Colonel, USA, Acting Chief of Military History, 1989 The Battle of Second Manassas, prepared as a self-guided tour, is intended to help today's soldiers study the American battlefields of the past not only to better understand the complexities and inevitable pressures of warfare but also to sharpen their knowledge of the art of war and their craft. The contest around Groveton, Virginia, on 29-30 August 1862 was characterized by complex maneuvers and fighting over the same areas at several different times. New units funneled into the battle throughout its course, while others were rushed from one point to another as the action shifted. This lack of order is a reflection of the high level of confusion experienced at the time. The courage of the men on both sides was exemplary, but technology has overtaken the tactics they used. Nevertheless, the lessons in leadership, command, the use of intelligence, and the performance of men under stress shown by this battle have a lasting value.
