These black regiments, mustered in only a few weeks before at Vicksburg, knew little about weapons and received theirs, some defective, only the day before the battle. The defenders numbered 161 white soldiers and 900 black recruits, as the Confederates massed for the attack.

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So that Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton’s forces at Vicksburg would have a possible escape route, a fragment of Walker’s Confederate division launched a sudden assault on June 7, 1863, using 2,500 experienced troopers and 200 cavalry. The post’s defenders occupied a position between two levees with their backs to the river , as Confederate Brigadier General Henry E. McCulloch’s four Texas regiments initiated their attack, advancing first in close column upon the left sections of the line.

When McCulloch’s troops came within musket range, the defenders opened up, sending a host running in confusion to the rear. The remaining Southerners pushed on, reached the levee, and were ordered to charge with cries of ‘no quarter.’

Because the black regiments lacked experience and their guns were inferior, the enemy soon managed to close in for hand-to-hand combat. The black troops fought bravely, as they handled their bayonets with fierce determination, contesting every inch of ground until they were surrounded. At that point, McCulloch’s men poured a deadly fire along their lines, directing their efforts mainly at the officers, many of whom ultimately fell. Finally, overpowered by superior numbers, the black troops retreated to the river banks, but they continued to fire and to remain as organized as possible in what was up to this time the most vicious hand-to-hand fighting of the war.

Finally, the gunboat Choctaw cruised into position, fired at the enemy, and forced them to withdraw behind the levee. Undaunted, McCulloch’s troops continued to fire at the defenders.

The Confederates at this time attempted to extend their line to the extreme right, but two black companies were determined this action would fail. These companies, a part of the 11th Louisiana, fought from behind cotton bales and parts of the old levee until almost noon, when the enemy withdrew after nine hours of fighting against inferior numbers that would not be defeated. As McCulloch’s troops retired, the gunboat Lexington placed several well-directed shots and scattered the enemy in all directions.

The Confederates’ hatred of black troops was surpassed only by their animosity toward those white officers who led them. The fact generated nightmares. Rumors ran that officers were the victims of atrocities. Needless to say they had a poor effect on morale. But Bryant not only survived the fighting, kept his spirit, and avoided capture, he became conspicuous for his gallantry, constantly rallying his troops after they had been driven to the river banks. Shouting directions, he prodded and encouraged his men. His wiry stature seemed to rise with his fervor.

In his report to the adjutant general, Grant noted the heroism of the troops, despite their lack of military experience. He concluded, ‘With good officers they will make good troops.’

Assistant Secretary of War Charles A. Dana, who was in the vicinity at the time of the battle, reported that Brigadier General E.S. Dennis had told him it was ‘the hardest-fought engagement he had ever seen.’ Fought almost entirely at close quarters, the battle demonstrated that black troops could exhibit the greatest gallantry possible. Thereafter, Bryant became absorbed with gaining for the black soldiers the respect and recognition they deserved from white officers and Washington authorities.

Unfortunately, these opinions were not easily practiced, and Bryant’s regiment was assigned to post and garrison duty at Goodrich’s Landing and to similar unchallenging responsibilities in the Vicksburg area. They remained there for 18 boring months and saw only minor action at Ross’s Landing, Grand Lake, in February 1864. But Bryant made every effort to gain for them the status claimed by the white soldier.

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