The movement of General Pope might or might not be a real advance.

But General McClellan remained inactive, and, on the 27th of July, A.P.

Hill's division was sent up to reenforce Jackson--while, at the same time, General D.H.

Hill, commanding a force on the south bank of the James River, was directed to make demonstrations against McClellan's communications by opening fire on his transports.
The moment approached now when the game between the two adversaries was to be decided.

On the 2d of August, Jackson assumed the offensive, by attacking the enemy at Orange Court-House; and, on the 5th, General McClellan made a prompt demonstration to prevent Lee from sending him further reinforcements.