Neither gave way and neither could advance.

The three Union colonels rode up and down their lines encouraging their men, and the valiant Talbot and St.Hilaire were never more valiant than on that night.
A combat with sabers cannot last long, and cavalry charges are soon finished.

North and South had met in the center of the open space, and suddenly the two, because all their force was spent, fell back from that deadly line, which was marked by a long row of fallen horses and men.

They reloaded their rifles and carbines and began to fire at one another, but it was at long range, and little damage was done.

They fell back a bit farther, the firing stopped entirely, and they looked at one another.
It was perhaps the effect of the night, with its misty silver coloring, and perhaps their long experience of war, giving them an intuitive knowledge, that made these foes know nothing was to be gained by further combat.