It is like fighting at the bottom of a well.

General Tyler had therefore very wisely moved across the river to Maryland Heights, where he had a strong fortified post.

From that commanding eminence he could very soon shell out any force that attempted to occupy the town.
The Shenandoah valley was now clear of Union troops, and soon became the great highway of the invasion.

However disastrous Milroy's defeat may be considered on account of the losses incurred, it was not without its compensation.

The detention of Ewell's force there gave time to the general Government and the Governors of the loyal States to raise troops and organize resistance, and it awakened the entire North to the necessity of immediate action.
Hooker, having learned that Ewell had passed Sperryville, advanced his right to prevent any crossing in his immediate vicinity, and confine the enemy to the Valley route.