On Dec. 2, 1864, Baird's Division of the 14th Corps [US], marching on the left of Gen. Sherman’s army in support of Kilpatrick’s cavalry division as it moved to burn the bridges over Brier Creek northeast of Waynesboro, reached Rocky Creek about 10:00 A.M. after skirmishing steadily for several miles with elements of Wheeler’s cavalry [CS]. Near the church, Baird found Wheeler posted on the east bank. The 74th Indiana Infantry attacked across the creek while other units crossed upstream and flanked the defenders, who then fell back slowly to protect Waynesboro.