After Johnston retreated to Allatoona Pass on
May 19-20, Sherman decided that he would most likely pay dearly for
attacking Johnston there, so he determined to move around Johnston's
left flank and steal a march toward Dallas. Johnston anticipated
Sherman's move and met the Union forces at New Hope Church. Sherman
mistakenly surmised that Johnston had a token force and ordered Maj.
Gen. Joseph Hooker's corps to attack. This corps was severely mauled. On
the 26th, both sides en-trenched, and skirmishing continued throughout
the day. Actions the next day in this area are discussed under Pickett's
Mills.