The Final Fighting

As night fell on February 6, both sides regrouped. The Union forces slowly regained their composure. The jubilant Confederates posted a strong picket line over their newly captured ground while strengthening their works at Dabney's Mill. During the night, a terrible winter storm erupted, causing unimaginable hardships for both armies. On the morning of February 7, Warren seemed eager for more action. Amid a further winter storm, with heavy fighting, he pushed the Rebel pickets back to their strong position at Dabney's Mill by late afternoon. Despite orders to retire, Maj. Gen. Samuel W. Crawford made a hapless frontal assault on the Rebel stronghold. Despite abundant evidence to the contrary, Union commanders denied that the assault occurred. During the night, Warren's men eventually retired to the Union earthworks - the battle was finally over.