nine o'clock
He chose the latter course , and took up a strong position . The sound of firing at Thoroughfare Gap was audible , and he knew that Longstreet 's division of Lee 's army was hotly engaged with a force which , now that it was too late , had been sent to hold the gorge . It was nearly sunset before Pope brought up his men to the attack . Jackson did not stand on the defensive , but rushed down and attacked the enemy -- whose object had been to pass the position and press on -- with such vigor that at nine o'clock they fell back . An hour later a horseman rode up with the news that Longstreet had passed the Gap and was pressing on at full speed , and in the morning his forces were seen approaching , the line they were taking bringing them up at an angle to Jackson 's position . Thus their formation as they arrived was that of an open V , and it was through the angle of this V that Pope had to force his way . Before Longstreet could arrive , however , the enemy hurled themselves upon Jackson , and for hours the Confederates held their own against the vast Federal army , Longstreet 's force being too far away to lend them a hand .