But during the progress of the battle Schofield was gaining ground to the left; and the cavalry on his left were gaining still more toward the enemy's rear.
These operations were completed by the 3d of July, when it was found that Johnston had evacuated the place.

He was pursued at once.

Sherman had made every preparation to abandon the railroad, leaving a strong guard in his intrenchments.

He had intended, moving out with twenty days' rations and plenty of ammunition, to come in on the railroad again at the Chattahoochee River.

Johnston frustrated this plan by himself starting back as above stated.