This movement was successful.

Johnston, finding his retreat likely to be cut off, fell back to his fortified position at Resaca, where he was attacked on the afternoon of May 15th.
A heavy battle ensued.

During the night the enemy retreated south.
Late on the 17th, his rear-guard was overtaken near Adairsville, and heavy skirmishing followed.

The next morning, however, he had again disappeared.

He was vigorously pursued, and was overtaken at Cassville on the 19th, but during the ensuing night retreated across the Etowah.
While these operations were going on, General Jefferson C.Davis's division of Thomas's army was sent to Rome, capturing it with its forts and artillery, and its valuable mills and foundries.