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The bridge on the Federal right was part of the
Winchester turnpike, and on their left stood the Manassas
Gap Railroad Bridge.
At 4:30 p.m. while the Confederate Marylanders
continued to press the Federal front, and the Louisianans
attacked the flanks, Kenly organized his retreat. Their
tents and stores were set on fire before leaving, and so
was the old Vannort home, which Kenly had used as his camp
headquarters. The National Flag was taken down and placed
in a wagon. To thwart the Confederate pursuit, he also
directed that the bridges over the forks of the Shenandoah
be burned behind his retreat.
Protecting his exodus, Kenly employed the 5th New York
cavalrymen and one piece of artillery. The Federal rear
guard took position on Guard Hill, a prominent knob north
of the river's forks. The Federal attempt to burn the
bridges failed when the Louisiana troops, led by General
Taylor, rushed recklessly forward into the flames to beat
out the fire. Jackson himself helped to fight this new
enemy.
Sufficient damage was done to the North Bridge,
however, to slow the crossing of the Confederates, delayed
also by the shell and musket fire from Guard Hill. The
river, though rain-swollen, soon was alive with Gray
horsemen. Four squadrons of Colonel Flournoy's 6th
Virginia Cavalry gained the farther bank and formed for
pursuit of Kenly's command. |
