At the command of the colonel all of the officers dismounted, and orderlies took the horses to the rear.

On foot they continued their examination of the thickets, and the colonel sent for Sergeant Whitley, who confirmed his opinion that the enemy was before them.

At his suggestion the Union force was spread out, lest it be flanked and annihilated in the thickets.
Just as the movement was completed rifles began to crack in front and on both flanks, and the piercing yell of the South arose.
It was impossible to tell the size of the force that assailed them, but the Winchester men were veterans now, and they were not afraid.

Standing among the bushes or sheltered by the trees they held their fire until they saw dusky figures in the thickets.
It had all the aspects of an old Indian battle in the depths of the great forest.

Darkness, the ambush and the caution of sharpshooters were there.