On Wednesday, May 25, 1864, Federal Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker’s XX Corps of the Army of the Cumberland advanced southward to New Hope Church, crossing the bridge over Pumpkinvine Creek at Owen’s Mill 3 miles to the north. The 3 divisions of Hooker’s corps were formed into columns of brigades for the assault, with Williams first, followed by Butterfield’s, then Geary’s. About 5:00 p.m., the Federals began their advance against Confederate Maj. Gen. Alexander Stewart’s division of Lt. Gen. John B. Hood’s corps. Stewart’s three brigades were deployed from left to right with Stovall’s Georgia Brigade, including Companies A and F of the 40th Georgia Infantry from Paulding County, on the left in the cemetery, Clayton’s Alabama Brigade in the center, Baker’s Alabama Brigade on the right, and Gibson’s Louisiana Brigade held in reserve. To Stewart’s division left was Maj. Gen. Thomas Hindman’s division, and to his right Maj. Gen. Carter Stevenson’s division. Eldridge’s Battalion of Confederate artillery consisted of Stanford’s Mississippi Battery, Fenner’s Louisiana Battery, and Oliver’s Eufaula, Alabama Battery. The artillery delivered devastating fire that quickly thinned the attacking Federals, who attacked without artillery support. As darkness fell, a thunderstorm struck and the battle ceased. Hooker reported 1,665 Federal casualties, and Confederate losses were about 450.