BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY: BLACK PEOPLE IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR : PART 2. WE WERE THEIR:

The Black Soldiers in the Union Army when they enlisted showed in no uncertain terms that they can fight, will fight and show their bravery, even though they were not allowed to be Military Officers, and at the start of the war they were only used to act as escort to the supply line and to protect the rear elements in the Army.

The First Kansas Regiment greatest test came at the battle of Poison Spring in April 1864 when Confederates troops ambushed the Union supply train, the African American troops took the brunt of the attack and suffer great loses. Many of the Black First Kansas Coloured who were captured or wounded during the battle were Executed. This sacrifice of the First Kansas Coloured served as inspiration for other Black Troops, who used the Battle Cry  " REMEMBER POISON SPRING ".  And in battles to come the Black Troops will prove them selves at all levels which on Union General was heard to say " I have never seen men Fight like these Coloured Troops and a credit to their race.