So on the morning of the 29th Jackson had to do with an enemy who had resolved to overwhelm him by weight of numbers.  Nor could he expect immediate help.  The Federal cavalry still stood between Stuart and Thoroughfare Gap, and not only was Jackson unaware that Longstreet had broken through, but he was unaware whether he could break through.  In any case, it would be several hours before he could receive support, and for that space of time his three divisions, worn with long marching and the fierce fight of the previous evening, would have to hold their own unaided.  The outlook, to all appearance, was anything but bright.  But on the opposite hills, where the Federals were now forming in line of battle, the Valley soldiers had already given proof of their stubborn qualities on the defensive.  The sight of their baptismal battle-field and the memories of Bull Run must have gone far to nerve the hearts of the Stonewall regiments, and in preparing once more to justify their proud title the troops were aided by their leader’s quick eye for a position.  While it was still dark the divisions which had been engaged at Groveton took ground to their left, and passing north of the hamlet, deployed on the right of A.P.  Hill.  The long, flat-topped ridge, covered with scattered copses and rough undergrowth, which stands north of the Warrenton-Centreville road, commands the approaches from the south and east, and some five hundred yards below the crest ran the unfinished railroad.

Behind the deep cuttings and high embankments the Confederate fighting-line was strongly placed.  The left, lightly thrown back, rested on a rocky spur near Bull Run, commanding Sudley Springs Ford and the road to Aldie Gap.  The front extended for a mile and three-quarters south-west.  Early, with two brigades and a battery, occupied a wooded knoll where the unfinished railroad crosses the highroad, protecting the right rear, and stretching a hand to Longstreet.  The infantry and artillery were thus disposed:—­

Infantry.

Left.—­A.P.  Hill’s Division.  First and Second line:  Three brigades.  (Field, Thomas, Gregg.) Third line:  Three brigades. (Branch, Pender, Archer.)

Centre.—­Two brigades of Ewell’s Division (now commanded by Lawton).  (Trimble’s and Lawton’s.)

Right.—­Taliaferro’s Division (now commanded by Stark).  First and Second line:  Two brigades.  Third line:  Two brigades.

Force detached on the right:  Two brigades of Ewell’s Division (Early and Forno), and one battery.

Artillery.

16 guns behind the left, 24 guns behind the right centre:  On the ridge, five hundred yards in rear of the fighting-line.