jackson had intended to move against banks at strasburg. but when he learned there were union infantry at front royal, he decided to attack there first. on may 23, at the battle of front royal, jackson's confederates captured the town of front royal, along with most of the 900 union soldiers who defended it. realizing jackson was now on his flank and he had no support at front royal, on may 24 banks retreated to winchester. because of the good protection provided by his rearguard and poor communications between jackson and ewell, banks was able to reach winchester with minimal losses.