It must have been about this time that Thayer pushed his brigade in between the enemy and those of our troops that were without ammunition.

At all events the enemy fell back within his intrenchments and was there when I got on the field.
I saw the men standing in knots talking in the most excited manner.

No officer seemed to be giving any directions.

The soldiers had their muskets, but no ammunition, while there were tons of it close at hand.
I heard some of the men say that the enemy had come out with knapsacks, and haversacks filled with rations.

They seemed to think this indicated a determination on his part to stay out and fight just as long as the provisions held out.