These two regiments, by Milroy's order, made a bold charge against the enemy as they were retiring, but the latter were so suddenly and strongly reinforced that the two regiments were glad to get back to their shelter in the fortified suburbs.

They were followed up however, and after severe fighting Johnson gained possession of a part of the town.

This apparent success proved of no avail, for the forts above shelled him out.

He therefore retired and made no further attempt in that direction.
Darkness ended the struggle for the day.

Johnson then left one brigade to prevent Milroy from escaping toward the east and went off with the remainder of his division to form across the Martinsburg pike, about three miles north of Winchester, to intercept Milroy's retreat in that direction.
While these events were going on in the Valley, Imobden's cavalry was engaged in breaking up the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad near Romney, to prevent Milroy from receiving any reinforcements from the west.
The latter now found himself in a perilous situation.