Every attack of the enemy upon our division has been beaten back, and we will continue to beat him back as long as he comes." "True, true, Hector, and the Invincibles are bearing a great part in this glorious feat of arms! But the Yankee general, Sheridan, is not like the other Yankee generals who operated in the valley earlier in the war.
We're bound to admit that." "We do admit it, Leonidas, and alas! we have now no Stonewall Jackson to meet him, brave and capable as General Early is!" The two colonels looked at the setting sun, and hoped that it would go down with a rush.

The division could not hold forever against the tremendous pressure upon it that never ceased, but darkness would put an end to the battle.

The first gray of twilight was already showing on the eastern hills, and Early's men still held the broad turnpike leading into the South.

Here, fighting with all the desperation of imminent need, they beat off every effort of the Northern cavalry to gain their ground, and when night came they still held it, withdrawing slowly and in good order, while Sheridan's men, exhausted by tremendous marches and heavy losses, were unable to pursue.

Yet the North had gained a great and important victory.
* * * * Darkness closed over a weary but exultant army.