The pilot just succeeded in scrambling out, when the _Tecumseh_ went down, taking her heroic captain with her.
The terrible occurrence was witnessed by friends and foes.

A boat was quickly lowered from the _Metacomet_ and sent to the relief of the survivors.

It passed within a hundred yards of Fort Morgan, which could have easily blown it out of the water.

But General Page, the Confederate commandant, knowing her errand, gave the order not to harm the boat, which was on its way to save drowning men.

His soldiers broke into cheers, but he sternly stopped them, with the advice to wait till the _Hartford_ was sunk.