As soon as the Negro forces came to a stop and prepared to fire, the 50 Mounted Rifles, now dismounted, were ordered to fire into their ranks and make a hasty retreat across the river with their horses.  Some would surely fall from the Negroes retaliatory volley, however.  Beaufort, meanwhile, led his 142 Partisan Cavalry around the line, due northwest, before turning to push northward against the Natives.  His Cavalry were well-trained, as Southern horsemen naturally were, and he hoped to inflict terrible casualties on the Natives before withdrawing, or perhaps even force them to retreat into the woods.

[hr]

Rebel artillerists were preparing their own ambitions back at Miller's Farm opposite the Union forces.  However, Brigadier General Rumby sent a messenger along - waving a white flag of truce so that the Union might not shoot at him.  Assuming he made it to a Union soldier unharmed he would deliver a message:

[quote][i]To the Commanding Federal Officer,

Brigadier General John Rumby requests that you evacuate the town of Harrisburg of all non-combatants before morning, before the inevitable battle commences.  Your only other option would be to withdraw, but the honor of a soldier would never permit such course.[/i][/quote]

During the downtime Confederate artillerists set up their four howitzers southwest of the town.  These long-range cannons, while inaccurate, were meant to bombard the town, destroy fortifications, and demoralize the Union troops.  Before Rumby gave any order to fire, however, he would await the Federal response to his message.  Just north of their location were 4 horse artillery crews, out of range from the town but within sufficient range to bombard any Union force which may attempt to move against the howitzers.  The Infantry, Marines, Cavalry, and others were encamped behind the artillery placements.  Though currently resting, the rebel forces were ready to deploy at Rumby's notice.