In one of the fiercest engagements of the war, Farragut's squadron attempted to pass the Confederate fortifications at Port Hudson some upriver from Baton Rouge on 14 March 1863. Only and succeeded in running the gauntlet, the remainder of the fleet having to turn back. "Richmond", lashed alongside , found she could make no headway against the strong current as she came under fire from the shore batteries. Her executive officer, Comdr. Andrew B. Cummings, was mortally wounded. "Richmond" was struck soon afterward by a 42-pounder shell which ruptured her steam lines, filling the engine room and berth deck with live steam. As "Genesee" was unable to tow "Richmond" against the current, the two ships reversed course, passing again through heavy shore fire. Attempts by General Nathaniel P. Banks' Union Army troops to take Port Hudson on 27 May were no more successful and Federal forces afloat and ashore settled down for a long siege. "Richmond" continued to perform exacting duties, occasionally providing guns and their crews for use ashore.