See, Ashby is forming them in the center, while we, of the horse, take the flanks." The men in blue, catching sight of the Confederate uniforms in the wood, charged with a shout, but they did not know the strength of the force before them.

The Invincibles poured in a deadly fire at close range, and then Ashby's cavalry with a yell charged on either flank.

The Northern troops, taken by surprise, gave way, and the Southern force followed, firing continuously.
They came within a half mile of Harrisonburg, and the main Northern army of Fremont was at hand.

The general who had pursued so long, saw his men retreating, and, filled with chagrin and anger, he hurried forward heavier forces of both cavalry and infantry.

Other troops came to the relief of Ashby also, and Harry saw what he thought would be only a heavy skirmish grow into a hot battle of size.
Fremont, resolved that the North should win a battle in the open field, and rejoiced that he had at last brought his enemy to bay, never ceased to hurry his troops to the combat.