CASSVILLE, GA.
MAY 19TH - 22ND, 1864
Cassville, Ga., May 19-22, 1864. 4th, 14th and 20th Army
Corps. Stanley's division of the 4th corps (Howard's) reached
Kingston at 8 a.m. and moved from there in the direction of
Cassville. When about half-way to that place the enemy was
found posted on high ground at Two-Run creek, and as soon as
the head of the Federal column appeared opened fire from a 6-
gun battery. Stanley ordered up his artillery, which quickly
silenced the enemy's guns, when the division again moved
forward some 4 miles to an old mill, where the Confederate
infantry was discovered drawn up in two lines and advancing.
Three divisions were here formed for action; Wood's on the
right, Newton's on the left, and Stanley's in the center. The
engagement was opened by artillery from different points, and
the enemy again gave way, falling back toward Cassville. The
4th corps then occupied the works abandoned by the
Confederates and formed a junction with the 20th corps
(Hooker's), but almost immediately the order was received to
move at once, straight on to Cassville. Palmer's corps (the
14th) now came up on Howard's right and there was skirmishing
all along the line. Johnston's army occupied a strong position
at Cassville. Hood's, Polk's and half of Hardee's corps were
formed in double lines extending from north to south, while
the rest of Hardee's corps was drawn up beyond the railroad
and extending toward the river. For several days he had been
maneuvering for a position where he could successfully give
battle to the advancing Federal forces. His men confidently
expected the battle at Cassville. Hood and Polk expressed
their opinion very positively on the night of the 19th that
neither of them could hold their position next day, because a
part of each was enfiladed by artillery. Hardee was for
making a stand and giving battle. During the night Johnston
withdrew his forces across the Etowah, destroying the railroad
bridge in his retreat. The Federal army rested at Cassville
until the 23rd, an occasional skirmish taking place between
detachments of the two armies.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 5
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