But when he heard that the cavalry of Sherburne was already behind him, and was about to gain a position between him and the river, he retreated as swiftly as he could, setting fire to all his tents and stores, and thundering in good order with his remaining force over the bridge.
These Northern men, New Yorkers largely, were good material, like their brethren of Ohio and West Virginia.

Despite the surprise and the overwhelming rush of Jackson, they stopped to set fire to the bridge, and they would have closed that avenue of pursuit had not the Acadians rushed forward, heedless of bullets and flames, and put it out.

Yet the bridge was damaged and the Southern pursuit could cross but slowly.
Kenly, seeing his advantage, and cool and ready, drew up his men on a hill and poured a tremendous fire upon the bridge.
Harry saw the daring deed of the men from the Gulf coast, and he clapped his hands in delight.

But he had only a moment's view.

Sherburne was curving away in search of a ford and all his men galloped close behind him.
Near the town the river was deep and swift and the horsemen would be swept away by it, but willing villagers running at the horses' heads led them to fords farther down.
"Into the river, boys!" shouted Sherburne, as he with Harry and Dalton by his side galloped into the stream.