Annoyed by Wheeler's constant harassment, Kilpatrick set out on the morning of December 4 with his full division to attack Waynesboro and finally destroy Wheeler's small command.
Da han var træt af Wheelers konstante chikane, red Kilpatrick om morgenen den 4. december ud med hele sine division for at angribe Waynesboro og endeligt nedkæmpe Wheelers lille styrke.