movement in the presence of an enterprising enemy.  Colonel Duffie reached Thoroughfare Gap at 9.30 a.m. and was somewhat delayed in crossing the mountain by the picket from Chambliss’ command.  By 11 o’clock, however, he was fairly on his way to Middleburg.  At 4 o’clock p.m. he struck the pickets which Stuart had established for his own safety outside the town and drove them in so quickly that Stuart and his staff were compelled to make a retreat more rapid than was consistent with dignity and comfort.  Having with him no force adequate to contest the ground with Duffie’s regiment, Stuart retired toward Rector’s Cross Roads.  Munford was notified of his danger, and directed to withdraw from Aldie and Robertson and Chambliss were ordered to move immediately upon Middleburg.

[Footnote 38:  Life and Campaigns of Maj.-Gen. J. E. B. Stuart.]

“The only hope for Duffie’s regiment now lay in an immediate advance upon Aldie, where he might have created considerable commotion by attacking the rear of the 1st Virginia Cavalry on the Middleburg road.  But he did not know this and his orders were positive, requiring him to encamp for the night at Middleburg.  He therefore made the best of his situation by dismounting one-half of his regiment behind stone walls and barricades, hoping that he might be able to hold his position until reinforced from Aldie, whither he sent Capt.  Frank Allen to make known his situation at brigade headquarters.  Captain Allen reached Aldie, after encountering many difficulties, at 9 o’clock p.m.  He says in his report: 

“’General Kilpatrick informed me that his brigade was so worn out that he could not send any reinforcements to Middleburg, but that he would report the situation of our regiment to General Gregg.  Returning, he said that General Gregg had gone to state the facts to General Pleasonton, and directed me to remain at Aldie until he heard from General Pleasonton.  I remained, but received no further orders.’”

* * * * *

“Thus Colonel Duffie was left to meet his fate.  At 7 o’clock in the evening he was attacked by Robertson’s brigade.  His men fought bravely and repelled more than one charge before they were driven from the town, retiring by the same road upon which they had advanced.  Unfortunately for Duffie this road was now closed by Chambliss’ brigade, which surrounded him during the night and captured, early the next morning, the greater part of those who had escaped from Robertson on the previous evening.  Colonel Duffie himself escaped capture and reached Centreville early in the afternoon with four of his officers and twenty-seven men.  He reports the loss in his regiment at 20 officers and 248 men.  This, however, was an exaggeration of the calamity, for other officers besides himself had taken to the woods and succeeded in making their way back to the Federal lines, on the 18th and 19th.”

The Sacking of Loudoun.