News from Newport (July 17th)

A battalion of Confederate cavalry advanced north up the Old Stage Road on July 17th and encountered a battalion of Union cavalry defending the town of Newport. The two sides engaged, with the Confederates taking some cover by a fence along the road. The Federals were among the buildings at the edge of town. The skirmish was long and drawn out at the maximum range of the cavalrymen's weapons. Neither side attempted to close in or make a charge. After taken some losses, the Confederates disengaged and withdraw back down the road in the direction from which they had come.  The Union cavalry retained control of Newport.