burbridge and his men then went into a disorderly retreat. the confederate rail breastworks had held, but the holding of the line had resulted in the use of a huge amount of ammunition. each rebel defender had shot at least seventy-five rounds, and some having fired as many as a hundred shots. the union army then ordered another charge with a large cavalry regiment that reinforced the union infantry. the unexpected fighting capabilities of the small confederate army had temporarily created a reprieve for the salt works.