On May 15, 1864, Minty’s Brigade of Garrard’s cavalry, scouting toward Rome in advance of the infantry column of Davis’ division, 14th A.C., U.S., encountered Brigadier General L.S. Ross’ Texas brigade of Jackson’s cavalry division, C.S., at Farmer’s Bridge on Armuchee Creek. Ross was driven to within 3 miles of Rome, where he was supported by infantry and artillery. Minty was then driven back to the bridge and returned to Lay’s Ferry, near Resaca, on May 16. On May 17, Davis’s division, U.S., en route from Resaca, reached the bridge at noon, and Davis advanced toward Rome at 2 p.m., driving Ross’ cavalry back to DeSoto Hill on this side of the Oostanaula River.