Ricketts's Union division, after skirmishing near Chapman's Mill in Thoroughfare Gap, is flanked on August 28 by a Confederate column passing through Hopewell Gap several miles to the north and by troops securing the high ground at Thoroughfare Gap.
Ricketts retires, and Longstreet's wing of the army marches through the gap to join Jackson.
This seemingly inconsequential action will virtually ensure Pope's defeat during the battles of August 29–30, because it will allow the two wings of Lee's army to unite on the Manassas battlefield.
Ricketts withdraws via Gainesville to Manassas Junction.
