 Howitzers mentioned in contemporary records were likely used at close range along the barricade of crossties that defenders had established.Deployment of cannons during the battle for the bridge would explain why the Confederates retreated without reaching it.Meanwhile, with the remainder of his forces, Jones had moved two miles (3 km) west to Macomber where the River Road (now WV 72) connected Rowlesburg to the Northwestern Turnpike.