Pleasant Philips prospered as a plantation owner and slaveholder in Harris County,[4] as well as the Bank of Brunswick president.

[4] When the American Civil War began in 1861, Philips chose to follow his home state of Georgia and the Confederate cause.

[4] Following the 1864 surrender of Atlanta, Philips and his command returned to Georgia and the men were granted a 30-day furlough, allowing them time to harvest crops from their lands.

Gen. Charles C. Walcutt arrived to support the Union troops, who forced Wheeler back and then assumed a defensive position.

Philips and his militia division (described as "ill equipped, poorly trained") attacked this position three times and were repulsed.

[8] The assaults were described as: As soon as they came within range of our muskets, a most terrific fire was poured into their ranks, doing fearful execution ... still they moved forward, and came within 45 yards of our works.

[10] The spirited but futile attack by Philips has been described as "...while it reflects great credit upon the gallantry of the Confederate and State forces engaged, was unnecessary, unexpected and utterly unproductive of any good.