The outer line of rifle-pits was passed, and the night of the 15th General Smith, with much of his division, bivouacked within the lines of the enemy.

There was now no doubt but that the Confederates must surrender or be captured the next day.
There seems from subsequent accounts to have been much consternation, particularly among the officers of high rank, in Dover during the night of the 15th.

General Floyd, the commanding officer, who was a man of talent enough for any civil position, was no soldier and, possibly, did not possess the elements of one.

He was further unfitted for command, for the reason that his conscience must have troubled him and made him afraid.

As Secretary of War he had taken a solemn oath to maintain the Constitution of the United States and to uphold the same against all its enemies.