Battle of Hoke's Run

Crossing the Potomac River on the morning of July 2, 1861, Federal General Robert Patterson marched his force of 20,000 men southward to attack confederate General Joseph E. Johnston’s small division. Patterson’s objective was to engage and occupy Johnston’s force in an effort to prevent him from reinforcing Beauregard’s army near Manassas. Warned of Patterson’s movement by JEB Stuart’s cavalry, Confederate General Thomas Jonathan Jackson was waiting just north of Martinsburg.

Jackson fought a delaying action lasting some 45 minutes, withdrawing and slowly giving ground as the changing situation dictated. Eventually, Jackson withdrew to rejoin Johnston. Patterson occupied Martinsburg on July 3, but did not pursue Johnston. He eventually withdrew to Charles Town and then to Harper’s Ferry. This decision allowed Johnston to slip away and move his forces to Manassas in time to bolster confederate numbers and defeat Union General Irwin McDowell.