In May 1862, cannoneers of the Brookhaven Light Artillery, commanded by Captain James Hoskins, reached Grand Gulf.  Hoskins had gunners emplace and mask four 6-pounder on the bluff behind the village.   The task was to harass the Federal Fleet commanded by Flag Officer Commodore David G. Farragut.   On May 26^th, 1862,  the confederates artillerist wisely let three warships pass undisturbed,  but as unarmed transports drew abreast,  the four 6-pounders roared into action scoring hits on the “Laurel Hill.”   Before the warships could get into position to return fire,  the flying battery was gone.   Captain Thomas Craven, the commander of the warship “Brooklyn”, determined to teach the Confederates a lesson by bombarding the town of Grand Gulf.   Captain Craven, intent on burning the town, conferred with Brigadier General Thomas Williams and agreed to spare the town,  but to send Feral force to levy a forced contribution of cattle, pigs, poultry, and wood upon the populace.   Under cover of darkness on the night of June 8th, 1862,  the Confederates moved 6 and 12 pounders into position on the ridge behind Grand Gulf.   The next morning, crews of these guns struck the “Wissahicken” and “Itasca” while these vessels were passing the batteries.