seven o'clock
The attack was short and sharp , and unable to withstand the shock of cavalry backed up by Granger 's fine infantry , the enemy threw down their arms and started pell-mell for Shelbyville proper . The Union forces pursued , and captured a number of Confederates near the bank of Duck River . The larger portion of the Confederate cavalry , under General Wheeler , however , escaped by swimming their animals across the turbulent and swollen stream . At seven o'clock the town had surrendered , giving up a number of small arms , three cannon , and a quantity of corn , which proved highly acceptable . The corps commanders were now called to general headquarters and each received his orders in writing . McCook was to advance on the Shelbyville pike , turn to the left on the Wartrace road , and seize and hold Liberty Gap ; General Granger to threaten Middleton ; General Thomas to advance on the Manchester pike , and hold , if possible , Hoover 's Gap ; some cavalry under Turchin to establish a lookout toward McMinnville , and the balance of the cavalry under Mitchell to attack the rebel cavalry at Middleton . These movements were executed promptly , despite floods and the wretched condition of the roads .