The Confederates increased their fire, and the other two boats, also greatly damaged, followed the flagship, and the ferocious fight that had lasted more than an hour was over, with the Union flotilla badly repulsed.
The flagship had been struck 59 times, and 54 had been killed and wounded on the different ships; but Foote would have maintained the fight, with a fair probability of success, but for the destruction of his steering gear.
Grant and Foote now formed a plan for the capture of Nashville, but on the eve of starting were stopped by a telegraphic order from General Halleck not to allow the gunboats to go further up the river than Clarksville.

Foote was greatly disappointed, and, absolutely certain of capturing the city, telegraphed for permission to do so, but it was refused.

Thus he was left no alternative but to return to Cairo.
While there, he learned that the Confederate force occupying Columbus had evacuated the town and fortified themselves on Island No.10.

They numbered about 8,000 and were under the command of General Mackall, from Beauregard's army.

Foote transferred his flag to the ironclad _Benton_ and advanced against the powerful works that had been erected on the island.