Rumby, seeing the Yanks retreat, was relieved.  A battle would not occur here at the bridge.  With the knowledge that their advance would be unrestricted here, Rumby began to issue orders to his men to cross the bridge.  A warning shot from the negroes was met with a few hateful insults, but overall no damage was done to either side.  First the cannons crossed, then the cavalry, then the camp followers, the infantry, sharpshooters, howitzers, and the marines last.  However, Rumby approached one of his cavalry commanders, Alexander Beaufort, at the end of the maneuver.

"Beaufort.  Take the 1st Horse and half of the 1st Mounted Rifles with you and harass the enemy on this side.  The rest of the army will make for Miller's Farm nearby for much-needed supplies.  No doubt the Yanks are making for Harrisburg.  Have faith, we'll get'em out."

Beaufort would take 100 of the Partisan Cavalry and 50 of the Mounted Rifles with him, and start moving back south a few paces.  Rumby took the remaining forces and made for Miller's Farm, just to the east, where he would set up camp and allow his men rest.

Rumby's final act at this position was to use his guns to blow the bridge, negating the Yanks a chance to pursue his army here.

If the Union was sending anyone to Harrisburg by train, they would arrive there shortly.  It was a moderately-sized town, having grown with the introduction of the railroad.  There was a central courthouse on the main road, surrounded by other one to two or even three story buildings.  There were no walls around the town.  Large expansive fields expanded all around the town.