But a few moments elapsed before the enemy became restive, and could be seen forming a strong column in the road, with heavy masses on each side of it, and clouds of mounted and dismounted skirmishers taking position in front. The fact was at once communicated to Colonel Brown. A bugle sound now announced the enemy’s approach, and the heavy columns moved forward in imposing array upon Ditty’s little force of twenty men. At this instant Brown came up at a gallop, and a spirited fight ensued. A dozen times did the column of mounted men attack, but a dozen times they were foiled and driven back in confusion, until the dismounted men moved through the woods on Brown’s flank, and compelled him to retire; and at last, about midday, they forced him back beyond the woods into the clear country, where Sheridan could see the insignificant force that had for so many precious hours kept his army in check. Then, and not until then, could his cavalry be brought to a charge, which the First Maryland, from its better knowledge of the country, easily avoided, not, however, without a parting volley, which emptied several saddles, two riderless horses running into their ranks. The battalion then hurried on rapidly to Hanover Junction, whither it was supposed Sheridan was moving, where they united with the Second Maryland Infantry and Baltimore Light Artillery, when all prepared to give a good account of themselves should the enemy make his appearance. It was but a little band of brave men opposing an immense army, and their destruction seemed inevitable, for General Lee had dispatched them to hold the point to the last, and that he had no reinforcements to give them. Quietly, as they stood in line of battle, they discussed the matter, and determined that the Maryland Line of ’64 should reflect no disgrace upon their hereditary name. But they were saved the sacrifice, for Sheridan, passing six or eight miles in their rear, marched directly upon Richmond.