The First Battle of Manassas began on Matthews Hill, the prominent rise one-half mile ahead, as thousands of Federals swiftly advanced in this direction. Confederate Capt. John Imboden rushed four cannon into position nearby to try to slow the Federal attack, and the artillerists fired at top speed, knowing it would take massive reinforcements to stop the Yankees. Confederate resistance on Matthews Hill collapsed after ninety minutes of combat. Through smoke and dust, the fugitives fled past the Stone House and across the Warrenton Turnpike, U.S. Rte. 29 today. The retreating Rebels scrambled up the slopes of the Henry and Robinson farms in search of a place to rally, while Imboden's gunners fired a few parting shots and then galloped to the rear.