Banks, at Strasburg, not far away, did not know that Kenly's force had been destroyed.

Three hours after the attack had been made, an orderly covered with dust galloped into his camp and told him that Kenly was pressed hard--he did not know the full truth himself.
Banks, whose own force was cut down by heavy drafts to the eastward, was half incredulous.

It was impossible that Jackson could be at Front Royal.

He was fifty or sixty miles away, and the attack must be some cavalry raid which would soon be beaten off.

He sent a regiment and two guns to see what was the matter.