On January 14, 1863, Union Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand sent a detachment of 100 men of the 26th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry on the transport Luzerne, along with a barge, up the Arkansas River from Arkansas Post to the port of South Bend with instructions to obtain 4,800 bushels of corn. If they were unable to load the corn, they were to burn it. It was found necessary to burn the corn because of Confederate guerillas that had followed the boat for some distance. As the corn was set on fire the Luzerne was attacked by the Confederate partisans. The Federals cut the boat's lines and began a hasty return toward Arkansas Post, followed for several miles by the guerillas who fired into the boat at several points. A few men were slightly wounded, but none were killed.

As a retailiatory measure, McClernand, on the 15th, sent Col. Warren Stewart with the 57th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and one gunboat to South Bend to destroy corn and other material in that vicinity that had been collected for the use of the Confederate army. Arriving at South Bend that afternoon the Federals burned 7,800 bushels of corn. Thereafter, Stewart sent a detachment southward 2 miles where the men burned 22,500 more bushels of corn and about 50 hides. At Clay's Place, Stewart's men captured 50 sheep, 6 mules, 50 hides, 1 bell, and other property and burned the dwelling and storehouse owned by the Confederate sympathizers near the site of the attack on the Luzerne.

This site has local significance because it is associated with military activites and events that achieved or affected important local objectives of the Vicksburg campaign.

The site would be documented. Onsite interpretation and connecting the site to the Vicksburg Heritage Coalition is encouraged.