Firing immediately ceased on the part of the Union flotilla, and Foote sent a boat ashore to take possession.
Despite General Grant's usual promptness, he did not arrive in time to intercept the flight of the garrison.

As a consequence the prisoners surrendered, including General Tilghman and his staff, numbered less than a hundred.

The others fled overland to Fort Donelson, only to be compelled to surrender shortly afterward to Grant in what proved to be the first great Union victory of the war.
The severity of this battle is shown by the fact that Foote's ship was struck 31 times, the _Essex_ 15, and the _Carondelet_ 6.

The total number of killed, wounded and missing was 48.

The success was so decisive that Foote was applauded throughout the North, sharing the well-earned honors with General Grant, whose successful career is known to every boy in the land.
Foote now steamed down the river to Cairo and began the ascent of the Cumberland, to assist General Grant, who was marching overland to the attack on Fort Donelson.