 Near Decatur , Brig. Gen. John W. Sprague , in command of the 2nd Brigade , 4th Division of the XVI Corps , was attacked by Wheeler 's cavalry . Wheeler had taken the Fayetteville Road , while Hardee 's column took the Flat Shoals Road toward McPherson 's position . The Federals fled the town in a stampede , but managed to save the ordnance and supply trains of the XV , XVI , XVII , and XX corps . With the failure of Hardee 's assault , Wheeler was in no position to hold Decatur , and fell back to Atlanta that night . Sprague was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions . 
