The arrival of the two forces was almost simultaneous, but the Union army, overwhelming in numbers, exulting in victory, swept forward to the call of the trumpets.
"They're not more than five or six hundred over there," said Warner, "too few to put up a fight against us.

I feel sorry for 'em, and wish they'd go away." The Southerners nevertheless were sweeping the narrow bridge with a heavy rifle fire, and Sheridan drew back his men for a few minutes.

Then followed a series of mighty splashes, as two West Virginia regiments sent their horses into the river, swam it, and, as they emerged dripping on the farther shore, charged the little Confederate force in flank, compelling it to retreat so swiftly that it left behind prisoners and its wagons.
It was all over in a few minutes, and the whole army, crossing the river, moved steadily on toward Staunton, where Early had been in camp, and where Sheridan hoped to find him.

The little victory did not bring Dick any joy.

He knew that the Confederacy could now make no stand in the Valley of Virginia, and it was like beating down those who were already beaten.