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Sherman's Right Wing State Historical
Marker
- Located in small park on Pulaski St. 2/10 mile east
of intersection of US 129 and Green Settlement Rd, 2 miles west
of Gray City Hall
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32.99697987, -83.55859392
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- (Text)
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SHERMAN'S RIGHT WING
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- On the night of Nov. 19, 1864, Kilpatrick's
cavalry division [US], which was covering the advance of the
Right Wing (15th and 17th Corps) of General Sherman's army on
its destructive March to the Sea, camped at Clinton. At noon
on the 20th, the infantry having begun to arrive, Kilpatrick
moved toward Macon, drove elements of Wheeler's cavalry [CS]
across Walnut Creek (8 miles SW), and attacked the defenses of
East Macon. Although the infantry had marched from Atlanta almost
unopposed, Kilpatrick had skirmished steadily with Wheeler, who
now contested his advance on Macon. Repulsed at East Macon by
Wheeler, and by units of Georgia Militia which garrisoned its
works, Kilpatrick fell back toward Clinton and camped south and
west of the main body. That night, Hq. Right Wing and Hq. 15th
Corps were established here in Clinton. Hq. 17th Corps near Blountsville
(10 miles NE).
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- On the 21st, Woods' and Hazen's divisions,
15th Corps, moved south on the old Irwinton road; Smith's moved
southeast toward Gordon. Since parties of Wheeler's command,
avoiding Kilpatrick were harassing the Union right, inflicting
casualties and taking prisoners, Jones' brigade of Hazen's division
remained here to protect this flank until relieved by Corse's
division which, heavily encumbered with wagon trains, a cattle
herd and pontoons, did not reach Clinton until late the next
day.
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- 084-18 GEORGIA HISTORICAL
COMMISSION 1957
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