Soon after the start a battery between Vicksburg and Warrenton opened fire across the intervening peninsula, followed by the upper batteries, and then by batteries all along the line.

The gunboats ran up close under the bluffs, delivering their fire in return at short distances, probably without much effect.

They were under fire for more than two hours and every vessel was struck many times, but with little damage to the gunboats.

The transports did not fare so well.

The Henry Clay was disabled and deserted by her crew.