First Grand Gulf Naval Battle

In May 1862, cannoneers of Brookhaven Light Artillery under Captain James Hoskins reached Grand Gulf and emplaced four 6-pounders on bluffs behind the village to harass the Federal fleet commanded by Flag Officer Commodore David Farragut. On May 26, 1862, they let three warships pass undisturbed, then opened fire on unarmed transports as they drew abreast, scoring hits on the Laurel Hill before the warships could get into position to return fire and the flying battery disappeared. Captain Thomas Craven of the warship Brooklyn then resolved to punish Grand Gulf by bombarding the town, but after conferring with Brigadier General Thomas Williams he agreed to spare it and instead send Federal forces to levy a forced contribution of cattle, pigs, poultry, and wood from the populace. Under cover of darkness on the night of June 8, 1862, the Confederates moved 6 and 12-pounders into position on the ridge behind Grand Gulf, and the next morning their crews struck the Wissehicken and Itasca as those vessels passed the batteries.

Port Gibson, Mississippi · United States