In 1862, 300 Union troops were ordered to burn the homes of CSA sympathizers in Madisonville, but they withdrew after being bluffed by CSA Gen. Adam Johnson and six men. The Confederates then went on to Henderson and crossed the river to Newburg, taking medical supplies, arms, and rations for the Confederates. Johnson and his Breckinridge Guards became famous for daring raids until he was blinded in battle in 1864.