Alerted by the rifle fire, the Union forces commenced an attack; the Thompsons' brigade held its position while the 2nd Division flanked and routed the enemy force. A burial detail sent to inter the dead of the small reconnaissance party found James Thompson still alive.
Upon hearing the rifle shots, Union troops initiated their attack; the Thompsons' brigade remained in place as the 2nd Division moved around and overwhelmed the enemy force. A group sent for burial found James Thompson still conscious among the dead from a small scouting team.