Port Gibson, Miss

a battle of the Civil War, taking place May 1, 1863, during Grant’s campaign along the Mi i ippi River. Grant was pursuing with some 25,000 Federals the Confederate Pemberton, who was retreating toward Vicksburg with a large army. Near Port Gibson, Grant’s advance, under that general himself, overtook Pemberton’s rear, about 12,000 men under Bowen. A battle immediately took place. Bowen, though greatly outnumbered, defended himself stoutly. Bowen held a strong position along both branches of the Port Gibson road, and consequently divided the forces of the Federals as he slowly fell back. He was defeated, but managed to retire in good order.