Now the stern and silent general was able to make the investment complete, but the fiery little fleet did not cease to push the attack.
There was a time when it seemed that the gunboats would be able to pass the fortress and rake it from a point up the river.

Many of the guns in the water batteries had been silenced, but the final achievement was too great for so small a force.

The rudder of one of Foote's gunboats was shot away, the wheel of another soon went the same way, and both drifted helplessly down the stream.

The other two then retreated, and the fire of both fort and fleet ceased.
But there was joy in the Union camp.

The soldiers had an abundance of food now, and soon the long ring of fires showed that they were preparing it.