On April 28th 1865 General Sherman issued orders to General Emory Upton, in Macon, to proceed to Augusta, to recieve the surrender of that city. General Upton arrived in Augusta on May 3, 1865. The city was flooded with parolled soldiers from Lee's army recently surrendered. Some of these soldiers were rioting for food and pay. General Upton knew he did not have enough men to control the situation and requested help. Orders were sent to Charleston, South Carolina for Union General Edward L. Molineux to proceed to Augusta with his troops to take command and restore order.

.