This was on the order of General Bragg, who discovered how he had been outwitted, and the prompt reinforcement prevented the capture of Fort Pickens, for which Bragg had made every preparation.

The post was held by the Unionists throughout the war and was the only one south of Mason and Dixon's line so held.
Lieutenant Worden was kept a prisoner until the 13th of the following November, when, his health having broken down, he was exchanged and sent North.

There he remained, slowly regaining his strength until March, 1862, when it fell to his lot to become a leading actor in one of the most famous naval engagements in all history.
When war had fully begun the Union forces in charge of the Norfolk Navy Yard saw they were not strong enough to prevent its capture by the Confederates, who were arming for that purpose.

They therefore set fire to the numerous and valuable shipping there.

Among the vessels scuttled and sunk was the steam frigate _Merrimac_, at that time the finest vessel in the service.