". . . Several of the McWilliams sons joined the Union Army. Borden was with Co. H of the Sixth Mounted Infantry, and Daniel was a scout for Gen. George H. Thomas in Co. D. It was said that Daniel McWilliams selected men for his scouting unit who were expert marksmen, good horsemen and who could “keep silent about their business. One wrong slip of the tongue could cause death to some or all of Co. D.” His younger brothers, David and Samuel, were among his enlistees. Mrs. Wilson said friends and relatives of the Union scouts would hide food for them in hollow trees, cliff sides or other secluded spots, though wild animals sometimes beat the scouts to the food. She said the McWilliams brothers were among those attacking the hideout of the Confederate guerrilla leader John Gatewood in McLemore's Cove Feb. 1, 1865. Gatewood escaped, but was later killed by Union soldiers. . . ."
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_77754.asp
It appears that Gatewood centered his activities in the LaFayette, Georgia area.
"During the Atlanta campaign, Col. Watkins [6th Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry] and a detchment of his brigade was ordered to occupy LaFayette, Georgia in order to rid the country of John Gatewood and his guerrillas."
http://www.watkinsfhs.net/?Famous_Watkins_People:Louis_Douglas_Watkins