On August 27, 1863, Bayou Meto, a steep-banked and miry stream, gave the Confederates a natural barrier and defensive position, with Reed's Bridge on the Memphis to Little Rock Road serving as the main crossing. As they prepared for battle, Captain John Mhoon coated the bridge with tar and other flammable materials in case a retreat to the south bank became necessary. After Confederate positions north of the bayou were flanked, their forces streamed across Reed's Bridge and formed new firing lines, and as the last men crossed, Mhoon set the bridge on fire. With the bayou deep and miry and the bridge already prepared for destruction, the burning of the crossing checked pursuit and Davidson withdrew to his camp at Brownsville.