On Nov. 15, 1864, after destroying Atlanta and cutting his communications with the North, Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, USA, began his destructive campaign for Savannah, the March to the Sea. He divided his army into two wings. The Left Wing marched east from Atlanta in two columns, to feint at Augusta but then turn southeast and converge on Milledgeville. The Right Wing, the 15th and 17th Corps under Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, USA, marched south from White Hall, with the 15th Corps under Maj. Gen. P. J. Osterhaus, USA, moving by Old Jonesboro Road and the 17th Corps under Maj. Gen. F. P. Blair, USA, moving by the McDonough road and camping on the north fork of Cotton River, three miles from Stockbridge. The 3rd Cavalry Division under Brig. Gen. J. L. Kilpatrick, USA, marched through East Point and down the west bank of Flint River to cover the right flank of the 15th Corps. At this point, the 15th Corps turned left toward McDonough. Continuing southeast past Mt. Zion Church, Woods' and Hazen's divisions crossed the Jonesboro road and camped near Stockbridge, Smith's here at Morrow Station, and Corse's, the last of the Right Wing to leave Atlanta, south of Hapeville. At Rough and Ready, seven miles northwest, the advance guard skirmished with Iverson's cavalry, and near Stockbridge it was attacked by the Orphan Brigade of Kentucky mounted infantry, but after a sharp fight the Kentuckians were forced to retire.