After the clash with members of the Southampton Militia a few miles away at Parker's Field, Nat Turner was determined to continue to Jerusalem, today's Courtland, directing 20 or so of his men to follow lesser used roads. Before the skirmish at Parker's Field, Turner's command had numbered about 60 men, but many ran away or were injured there, leaving him with about 20. He believed he could cross the Nottoway River downstream from the county seat at Cypress Bridge, recruit more followers on the way to Jerusalem, and take the town from the east while terrorizing and killing its inhabitants. He also sought more arms and ammunition, believing such supplies were abundant in town. Although some followers rejoined him, Turner soon realized that too many militiamen defended Cypress Bridge for the insurgents to cross, and he retreated to Major Ridley's Quarter. On the way, the insurrectionists passed Thomaston, home of the Thomas family, where thirteen-year-old George Henry Thomas orchestrated his family's escape. After later trying in vain to gather more recruits and suffering defeat at the Blunt house, Turner decided to return the next morning to the Cross Keys section of the county, hoping to muster more men there before deciding whether to begin his raid anew or retreat into the Dismal Swamp.