McPherson, concerned about Confederate defenders, could have taken Resaca prior to Sherman's arrival, but withdrew his troops instead, losing his opportunity to destroy the rail line

On May 9, 1864, at 5 a.m., McPherson had his soldiers moving in accordance with Sherman's directive to cross Snake Creek Gap and attack the railroad at or close to Resaca. The lead division, under Brig. Gen. Thomas Sweeny, was able to capture Bald Hill, forcing the Confederates to flee back to their fortifications and across Camp Creek, a deeply gullied creek that flows into the Oostanaula River to the south. Bald Hill was in Sweeny's control, and from there they could see Resaca and, more importantly, the railroad bridge crossing the Oostanaula.

Sweeny's division was to hold Bald Hill, while McPherson despatched additional forces to the northeast to scout possible approaches to the railroad. McPherson then lost his composure. McPherson gave Sweeny the order to return to Snake Creek Gap out of concern that Johnston might send troops from Dalton to force him back. The infantry of the Union withdrew and left Bald Hill. Sherman was "beyond measure" upset to learn that McPherson had failed to cut the railroad at Resaca. While he led the remainder of the army through Snake Creek Gap, he gave the order for McPherson to dig in. Sherman had the unfortunate luck that the Confederates were also digging in. So, it can be concluded that McPherson, concerned about Confederate defenders, could have taken Resaca prior to Sherman's arrival, but withdrew his troops instead, losing his opportunity to destroy the rail line.