There was a severe engagement at Front Royal on July 23, 1863, in which Meade's forces were repulsed. The Confederates then went into camp in Orange County, Virginia. There were a few alarms, but nothing serious developed.

On August 13, 1863, an edict was issued by the Headquarters of the Army Northern Virginia as directed by the President of the Confederate States proclaiming August 21st as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer.