"Hastings" resumed active patrolling in April 1864, and was detailed to convoy General Thomas Kilby Smith's transports from Springfield Landing to Grand Ecore, Louisiana. Union troops had suffered defeat at the Battle of Pleasant Hill, and the land portion of the Red River Campaign was deemed a failure. Covering the withdrawal of Smith's troops, "Hastings" took part 12 April in an engagement with Confederate cavalry and artillery near Blair's Landing. After a fierce engagement, in which "Hastings" fought at the rear of the transport group, the convoy passed downriver.