The Battle of Grand Gulf was fought on April 29, 1863, during th: On April 28, Pemberton finally realized the importance of the Union buildup near Grand Gulf.  He ordered Carter L. Stevenson to prepare a 5,000-man force to be sent to Grand Gulf at Bowen's discretion, but Stevenson still regarded the Union move south as a feint in preparation for an assault directly against Vicksburg.[31]  Bowen lacked a cavalry force for scouting, as the cavalry at Grand Gulf had been sent elsewhere to chase down Grierson's Raid.[32]  The work on the defenses at Grand Gulf had resulted in a much stronger position than had been there at the beginning of March.[33]  Two forts were the strongpoints of the fortification.  The stronger was known as Fort Cobun, and the other as Fort Wade.[34]