Gen. Joseph E. Johnston had withdrawn from
Rocky Face Ridge to the hills around Resaca. On the 13th, the Union
troops tested the Rebel lines to pinpoint their whereabouts. The next
day full scale fighting occurred, and the Union troops were generally
repulsed except on the Rebel right flank where Sherman did not fully
exploit his advantage. On the 15th, the battle continued with no
advantage to either side until Sherman sent a force across the Oostanula
River, at Lay's Ferry, towards Johnston's railroad supply line. Unable
to halt this Union movement, Johnston was forced to retire.