Rome, GA
May 17, 1864

Rome, Ga., May 17, 1864. 2nd Division, 14th Army Corps.
When it was discovered on the morning of the 16th that the
Confederates had evacuated Resaca, Gen. Sherman ordered Brig.-
Gen. J. C. Davis to move with his division down the west bank
of the Oostanaula to the mouth of Armuchee creek and cooperate
with the cavalry in that vicinity. Davis reached the mouth of
the creek, but finding no bridge across the river at that
point, as had been supposed, decided to push on to Rome and
try to secure the bridge there. Notifying Gen. Thomas of his
intention, he moved toward Rome early on the 17th. French's
division had arrived in Rome on the 16th, and when he learned
of Davis' approach sent Ector's brigade across the river part
of the command being placed in the works and the remainder
thrown forward as skirmishers. Davis parked his trains about
8 miles from the town, left two regiments as a guard and with
the rest of the division pressed on in the hope of getting
possession of the bridge. Mitchell's brigade, which was in
the advance, drove in the enemy's cavalry until within range
of the cannon on De Soto hill on the west side of the river.
Davis made preparations for driving in the outposts in order
to reconnoiter the enemy's works, but before his disposition
of troops was fully made the enemy opened with a battery and
at the same time a brigade of infantry advanced to attack.
Dan McCook was ordered to move his brigade to the front and
occupy a ridge to the left of Resaca road. Just in front of
this was another ridge, offering advantages for a better and
more extended line of battle, and McCook was ordered to
advance and take possession of it. This movement was executed
just in time to meet the enemy in about equal force ascending
the opposite slope. Mitchell's brigade was promptly deployed
on the right of the road, in supporting distance of McCook,
and Morgan's was moved to the right to head off a flank
movement. Morgan moved promptly drove back the Confederate
skirmishers and formed his line along the Alabama road, close
to the enemy's works. McCook and Mitchell soon repulsed the
attack on their fronts and at dark the enemy was compelled to
seek the shelter of his intrenchments. Davis now established
his line with his right resting on the Coosa river and the
left on the Oostanaula, to prevent either flank from being
turned, and waited for daylight to renew the contest. During
the night the Confederates withdrew toward Cassville. The
next morning Davis occupied the town, captured a large amount
of commissary and quartermaster stores, hospital supplies,
etc., and all sorts of ammunition-enough to last his command
for two weeks. The Union loss at Rome was about 150 in killed
and wounded. French reported his casualties as being about
100.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 6