The sides were roughly matched; the Union had about 5,000 and Jackson had 7,000.

Jackson suffered about twice the casualties he inflicted, 250.

After the first engagement at Kernstown, there was a lull in the Shenandoah while the main armies moved further east. McClellan moved the bulk of the Army of the Potomac down to the James-York Peninsula, while the Confederates also shifted much of their army from northern Virginia to the Peninsula. The slow siege of Yorktown bought time for Confederate reinforcements to arrive in Virginia and protect Richmond, while McClellan had to leave a corps (under Irvin McDowell) to hold Fredericksburg and block the direct route to Washington. Meanwhile, the Confederates decided to reinforce in the Shenandoah; President Davis and his senior adviser (Robert Lee) decided their best defense was a good offense.

From Staunton, Jackson marched his army west along the Parkersburg Road to confront two brigades (Milroy and Schenck) of Frémont’s force, advancing toward the Shenandoah Valley from western Virginia. He couldn’t surprise Milroy; scouts reported Jackson’s circuitous approach and Milroy fell back to a good position and sent word to Schenck for help. Schenck marched with some of his men overnight, arriving early on the 8th.

At McDowell, with hills all around town, Milroy decided to hit first. He had to, or Jackson would deploy his artillery and trap the Union men in the town. The initial assault up Sitlington’s Hill was successful, but after four hours of heavy fighting superior Confederate numbers forced the Federals back. Jackson’s men were too disorganized to take advantage that day, and Milroy withdrew in the night.

Jackson wanted to turn retreat into a rout, but Milroy marched fast and stayed ahead of the Rebels. He also used tricks like setting the woods on fire to slow the pursuit, and in three days only lost stragglers and a few broken-down wagons. However, the Federals had withdrawn into western Virginia, and doing so freed Jackson’s army to maneuver against the other Union forces in the Valley.

Content provided by:
eHistory Staff

Selected sources:
American Battlefield Protection Program, Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service.