Lawrence and Dan were disgusted, but Warren was right in not seeking an engagement with his small force.
"What shall we do, Dan?" Lawrence asked with a heavy heart as they turned away.
"Try and see what has become of Foster," answered Dan.
"You're right, Dan."
They were about to ride away when news came that Foster's force was in full retreat for Lexington, and that those who survived the battle were safe.
Lawrence and Dan concluded to stay with Warren.
Knowing that a force from Kansas City, as well as General Blunt from the far south, was closing in on the Confederates, they had high hopes that they might be captured. But during the night Coffee's entire force slipped by Blunt and, before the movement was discovered, was well on its way to Arkansas. The guerrilla bands of Quantrell, Red Jerry and others took to the brush, there to remain hidden until the Federal troops had returned to their several posts.
Lawrence and Dan returned to Lexington disgusted. They believed that if the different forces had acted together, and the campaign been managed rightly, the entire force of the enemy could have been captured.