D. H. Hill, Jr., Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 4, North Carolina
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

[227] He says: ‘It was now 10 p. m. I at once determined to make another attempt to enter the city.’ His men were ordered to set out. Just, however, as they started, General Kilpatrick was informed by Colonel Sawyer, commanding his Second brigade, that his pickets had been driven in on the road from Hanover Court House. Kilpatrick's report continues: ‘A few moments later he (Sawyer) sent me word that the enemy was advancing in force and rapidly driving in his people. I sent orders for him to throw out a strong line of skirmishers, and if possible charge the enemy and drive him back, as I intended to make this last effort to release our prisoners. Heavy musketry and carbine firing could now be heard, and a moment later the enemy opened with a battery. I was forced to recall my troops to resist this attack, which now became serious. The enemy charged and drove back the Seventh Michigan, and considerable confusion ensued. The night was intensely dark, cold and stormy. . . . Not knowing the strength of the enemy, I abandoned all further ideas of releasing our prisoners.’

The force that brought about this commotion on that dark, sleety night, and made Kilpatrick give up his last chance of accomplishing his mission, was composed of a small band of North Carolina cavalry. General Hampton learned from citizens that a cavalry force was heading for the Central railroad, and he reports: ‘As soon as I could learn what direction the enemy had taken, I sent all the mounted men from the North Carolina cavalry (Colonel Cheek), and 53 from the Second (Major Andrews), with Hart's battery to Mount Carmel church.’ The next morning General Hampton joined the command and moved down to strike the enemy. At Atlee's station, about midnight, General Hampton sent Colonel Cheek to see what force the enemy had. Colonel Cheek took 200 of his regiment and 30 of the Second. He found Sawyer's brigade lying down, many of them asleep. Bringing a section of artillery, he endeavored to get the