Jackson reached Manassas on the night of August 26th, took it, and on the next day destroyed the great depot.

General Pope was hastening to protect it, but was delayed by Ewell at Bristoe, and a force sent up from Washington, under the brave General Taylor, was driven off with loss.

Then, having achieved his aim, Jackson fell back toward Sudley.
If the reader will look at the map, he will now understand the exact condition of affairs.

Jackson had burned the Federal depot of supplies, and retired before the great force hastening to rescue them.
He had with him about twenty thousand men, and General Pope's force was probably triple that number.

Thus, the point was to hold General Pope at arm's-length until the arrival of Lee; and, to accomplish this great end, Jackson fell back beyond Groveton.