Black soldiers and naval gunfire drive off a Confederate attack on Union supply lines at Milliken's Bend

Desperate to relieve pressure on Vicksburg, Confederate troops under Major General J.G. Walker attempted to seize Union rear areas at Milliken's Bend and Young's Point.  Milliken's Bend was defended by mostly ill-equipped black troops of the 9th Louisiana, the so-called "African Brigade." Attacked by General Henry McCullough's Texas Brigade, the defenders, despite heavy casualties, drove off the Confederates with the aid of naval gunfire from the river. (By John Osborne)