In November 1864, Union Brig. Gen. John Davidson led an expedition from Baton Rouge toward the Mobile & Ohio R.R. On December 10, part of his force crossed the Chickasawhay River and met two Confederate cavalry regiments at McLeods Mill. After some initial success, the Federals were repulsed. Both sides suffered losses, including Lt. Albert Westinghouse of the 2nd N.Y. Cavalry, the brother of inventor George Westinghouse. After the action at Leakesville, Davidson abandoned his raid and moved south.