Stoneman would use troops under General Alvan Gillem and those commanded by General Stephen Burbridge -- including the 5th and the 6th U.S. Colored Cavalry who had participated in the failed previous attempt to destroy the salt works at the first Battle of Saltville . Alvan Gillem and Stephen Burbridge , including the 5th and the 6th U.S. Colored Cavalry Regiments -- both of which had participated in the previous attempt to destroy the salt works during the First Battle of Saltville .