After Lee repelled the Union army in the Seven Days Battles, Union Maj. Gen. John Pope's Army of Virginia threatened to attack from the north, so Jackson was sent to intercept him.
Efter at Lee havde slået unionshæren i Syv dages slaget, truede Unionens generalmajor John Popes Army of Virginia med at angribe nordfra, så Jackson blev sendt af sted for at opfange ham.