On April 16, under the direction of Admiral David Porter, the "Benton" led a nighttime charge past the guns of Vicksburg. Protecting the "Ivy" from cannon fire, the "Benton" led a column of ten additional vessels past the heavy artillery batteries. Passing at a range of the "Benton" was hit 5 times, including 1 round that split her casemate, injuring several crewmen. on April 29 the "Benton" led a 7 ironclad fleet in a bombardment of Grand Gulf, MS's gun batteries. One particularly devastating hit pieced the "Benton's" armor, causing 25 casualties. As the battle continued, the speed of the current increased and overwhelmed the "Benton's" engines and she was swept downstream before the bombardment's conclusion. In May, "Benton" returned to Vickburg to continue bombarding the city until its fall in June.