Prisoners whom the Southern cavalry brought in told strange stories.

Rumor in their ranks had magnified Jackson's numbers double or triple.

Many believed that a great force was coming from Richmond to help him.

Jackson was surrounded, but the beaters were very wary about pressing in on him.
Yet the Union masses in the valley had increased.

McDowell himself had now come, and he sent forward cavalry details which, losing the way, were compelled to return.