Each side had a Corps, the Union with about 10,000 men, the South with around 13,000.

The US lost twice the Confederate casualties, 1,200 to 600.

Believing that Early’s army was no longer a threat in the Valley, Maj. Gen. Horatio Wright abandoned his pursuit and ordered the VI and XIX Corps to return to Washington, where they were to be sent to Grant’s “army group” before Petersburg. Wright left Brig. Gen. George Crook with three divisions and some cavalry to hold Winchester. Under orders to prevent reinforcements from being sent to Grant, and sensing his numerical edge, Early marched north on July 24 against Crook. After an hour of stubborn resistance at Pritchard’s Hill in their center, the Federal line collapsed and Crook’s divisions streamed back in disarray through the streets of Winchester. Rutherford B. Hayes commanded a hard-fighting brigade against John C. Breckinridge’s wing. Many Union troops took temporary refuge in Winchester during the retreat and were captured in the Confederate advance.

Crook retreated to the Potomac River and crossed near Williamsport on July 26, then moved back forward (a bit sheepishly) to Harper’s Ferry. As a result of this defeat and the burning of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on July 30, Grant returned the VI and XIX Corps and appointed Sheridan as commander of Union forces in the Valley. He was determined to pull the thorn from his side.

Content provided by:
eHistory Staff

Selected sources:
American Battlefield Protection Program, Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service.