The action at Rocky Face Ridge and Snake Creek Gap forced Johnston to abandon Dalton on the night of May 12th. The Union army advanced in the direction of Resaca, where Sherman again hoped to get into his adversary's rear. Instead, he found a strong line. Johnston, now re-enforced by Polk's Division, had taken up a new defensive position to the north and west of Resaca. Polk's flank rested on the Oustanula River, making it the left of Johnston's army. Next came Hardee, whose line extended northward to where it joined Hood. Hood's right flank reached the Connasauga River.
This was the position Sherman's advance found as it approached Resaca.
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