Lander was desirous of knowing how long our men would stand under fire, and upon being assured by Murray that they had acted very well the day before, he refused the demand, in terms much emphasized, with the suggestion, that if Jackson wanted the town he would have to take it.
When Murray had delivered Lander's reply to Ashby, he reconducted the latter to the river bank, and Ashby recrossed.
The details of this incident are given as showing the aptness of the commander of the 84th for a sudden and trying occasion.
Notice was given to the citizens of the threatened shelling, and they were not long in getting beyond artillery limits.
Our men were placed in the streets at points best adapted for checking any attempt of the enemy to cross.
At the appointed time the fire commenced and continued through the day.
On the 6th, the artillery fire was mostly from our side.
On the 7th and 8th, reinforcements arrived.
This mid-winter movement of Jackson from Winchester was for the purpose of capturing the stores at Romney, Virginia, by surprise of the small force stationed there.