The battle lasted from about 6 a.m. to around 4 p.m, but Early's corps ultimately drove off the small Union force, which was the only substantial Union army between it and the capital. Despite the Union loss, the battle cost Early precious time that would have been better spent in advancing the toward Washington. After the battle, Early resumed his march on Washington and arrived at its northeast border near Silver Spring at around noon on July 11. Because of the battle and then the long march through the stifling summer heat and unsure of the strength of the Union position in front of him, Early decided not to send his army against the fortifications around Washington until the next day.