Johnston contracts his line into a "V"…

Johnston contracts his line into a "V" during the night to protect his flanks with Mill Creek to his rear.

Sherman is inclined to let Johnston retreat.

Slocum had called for aid from Sherman during the afternoon attacks, and Howard's wing arrives on the field late on the afternoon of March 20, deploying on Slocum's right flank and extending the Union line towards Mill Creek.

Johnston responds to Howard's arrival by pulling back Hoke's division so it runs at a right angle to Stewart's left flank, and deploying one of Hardee's divisions on Hoke's left.

Confederate cavalry protects the Confederate flank to Mill Creek in a weak skirmish line.

Only light skirmishing occurs on this day.

Johnston remains on the field, claiming that he stays to remove his wounded, but perhaps also in hope of enticing Sherman to attack again, as had happened at Kennesaw Mountain.