The Stoneman Raid

On July 31, 1864, at the Battle of Sunshine Church (19 miles NE of Macon), Maj. Gen. Geo. Stoneman (US) surrendered with 600 men to Brig. Gen. Alfred Iverson, Jr., (CS) after covering the escape northward of Adams' and Capron's brigades of his cavalry command. Adams moved via Eatonton and Madison and Capron via Rutledge, rejoining north of Madison late the next day. Early on August 2nd, Adams intended to resupply his command and to "destroy the armory and other government works" in Athens, reached this point and found the planks removed from the bridge over Middle Oconee River (on the old road) and guns emplaced on the hill above Princeton Factory (0.3 miles N), supported by the "Mitchell Thunderbolds" and other Home Guard units, commanded by Capt. Edward P. Lumpkin, CS, son of the first Chief Justice of Georgia, and home on convalescent leave. Unable to cross, Adams turned west and, avoiding towns, reached the Union Lines near Marietta on August 4th, his brigade almost intact. Capron, who had waited in reserve near Watkinsville, attempted to follow him but found himself on the Hog Mountain road to Jug Tavern (Winder) instead. Passing through Jug Tavern late that night, he marched to King's Tanyard (5 miles NW of Winder) and halted for two hours rest. Before dawn on August 3rd, he was surprised by William's Kentucky brigade (CS). About 430 of his men were captured, a few escaping through the woods. Capron himself, with six men, reached Marietta four days later - on foot.