This is an exerpt from Drewry's Book (the same man that took the photos):


Twenty, however, followed their leader toward Jerusalem, but after going a short distance on the private road they over took several others, who told them that the rest were dispersed in every direction.  They no doubt also learned that Cypress bridge was guarded.  These facts did not discourage Nat.  He had more of the spirit of desperation, and, after making in vain every effort to collect sufficient force to proceed to Jerusalem, he determined to return, as he was sure the negroes had deserted toward their old homes, where they would join him.  He intended to raise new recruits and begin the raid anew, and he sent some of his men ahead to notify those who had returned to meet him on the Wednesday or Thursday following.  Together with others, he proceeded to return by another route to Boykin’s District, where most of the insurgents lived.  Bending his course to the southwest, he visited the home of Mr. Sugars Bryant,[1] who fled as the blacks came in sight.  All the whites had escaped and no more victims were found.  It was now late in the afternoon and there had been sufficient time for the news to spread.  Many of the slaves who had been forced to join the band lagged behind and finally deserted to inform the whites of the danger.[2]
Mrs. John Thomas lived two miles to the southwest of Mr. Bryant’s This is one of the most beautiful and historic places in Virginia, surrounded by lovely oaks and spacious lawns.  Such now is the home and birthplace of Gen. George H. Thomas, at this time a mere boy of fifteen years.  Mr. James Gurley, a neighbor, was on the lookout for the negroes.  Keeping at a distance, he moved along before them to warn the neighbors of their approach.  It was he who rode up and told Mrs. Thomas that the insurgents had mistaken the main road and were approaching by one which led to the rear of the residence.  Thus she drove out of the front gate just before the rebels appeared from the other direction.  Fearing they might be overtaken if they continued in the road to Jerusalem, the Thomases abandoned the carriage and escaped on foot through the woods.  The “stiller,” seeing the insurgents coming, jumped over the well and hid in the bushes, where he could see and hear them as they assembled under his “still” shed.  No plundering was done, and, as the family found the dwelling as they left it, it is probable that the insurgents simply insisted that the slaves should follow them.

[1]Mr. J. L. Bishop now owns this place.
[2]Among this number was a slave of Mrs. Gideon Bell.  He related that his courage failed him in his determination to escape, but the brandy & powder which they gave him to incite him to desperation only inspired courage, & watching his chance he put spurs to the thorough-bred horse upon which he was riding, &, leaving his pursuers far behind, he spread far & wide intelligence of the movements of the blacks.