Captain Carron commanded one of the 12-pound cannon that defended Fort Pillow during the Confederate attack in April 1864. Sgt. Ben Robinson was among those under his command. After Confederate forces attacked, Carron suggested setting fire to the barracks outside the fort to deny the Confederates shelter. Major William Bradford, who had taken command of the fort, liked the idea, and tasked Lt. Mack Leaming with the burn. Carron stayed with the gun crew right until the Confederates breached the fort.