The Bristoe Station Campaign October 919 1863. The months after Gettysburg had hardly been quietfilled with skirmishes, cavalry clashes, and plenty of marching. Nonetheless, Union commander Maj. Gen. George Gordon Meade had yet to come to serious blows with his Confederate counterpart, Gen. Robert E. Lee. Lee is undoubtedly bullying you, one of Meades superiors goaded. Lees armyseverely bloodied at Gettysburgdid not have quite the offensive capability it once possessed, yet Lees aggressive nature could not be quelled. He looked for the chance to strike out at Meade. In midOctober, 1863, both men shifted their armies