It was a clever strategy but was poorly executed. The attack was delayed and the attack was poorly coordinated.
Twenty thousand Rebels began the attack, but the delay proved fatal. The Confederates did not achieve surprise and could not drive the Union soldiers back or force them to retreat. The Confederates attacked just as many Union units were crossing, however, some of the Yankees had established themselves on the bank. They forward units were already guarding the troops crossing the Creek and when they saw the Confederates they opened fire. The Confederates charged the Yankees but had only limited success. As more and more Union soldiers made it across the creek they joined in the battle. Soon the Confederates were charging against lines of Union infantry some behind trees. The Yankees were able to mow down many Confederates as they charged.
After three hours, the battle was over and many Confederate troops lay dead. Their losses were heavy and they lost many men that they could not replace. Sherman was able to continue with his advance almost immediately and the battle did not really even impede his march to Atalanta, his prime objective. The Confederate General planned another attack and he soon attacked Sherman at the Battle of Atlanta. This was also another defeat for Hood and it soon became apparent that Atlanta was doomed and that the Confederates wee facing defeat in the war
