Johnston's army fell back from the vicinity of
Cassville-Kinston, first to Allatoona Pass and then to the Dallas area
and entrenched. Sherman's army tested the Rebel line while entrenching
themselves. The Battle of Dallas occurred on May 28 when Lt. Gen.
William J. Hardee's corps probed the Union defensive line, held by Maj.
Gen. John A. Logan's Army of the Tennessee corps, to exploit any
weakness or possible withdrawal. Fighting ensued at two different
points, but the Rebels were repulsed, suffering high casualties. Sherman
continued looking for a way around Johnston's line, and, on June 1, his
cavalry occupied Allatoona Pass, which had a railroad and would allow
his men and supplies to reach him by train. Sherman abandoned his lines
at Dallas on June 5 and moved toward the railhead at Allatoona Pass
forcing Johnston to follow soon afterwards.