The remainder of the Confederate squadron now turned and fled for safety, but the shells from the government flotilla were too swift for them. The Thompson was sunk, and the Bragg and Sumter surrendered. Only the Van Dorn escaped.
On the whole, this was the most interesting day in the history of the flotilla. The fight was soon over (Memphis was in the hands of the flotilla at 11 o’clock), but the Confederates fought with the greatest gallantry until four of their ships were destroyed. The chief feature of the fight, from a naval point of view, was the destructive work of the rams, for therein one may find a foreshadowing of what shall come to pass if ever two modern squadrons are arrayed in battle. Three ships were rammed out of the conflict within fifteen or twenty minutes; the actual time does not appear. It was the first fight of steam rams in the history of the world.
- Carondelet.
- Benton.
- St. Louis.
- Lovell.
- Cairo.
- Bragg.
- Louisville.
- Van Dorn.
The Battle of Memphis—First Position.
From a painting by Admiral Walke.
- Sumter.
- Beauregard.
- Louisville.
- Benton.
- St. Louis.
- Carondelet.
- Cairo.
After the Battle of Memphis.
From a painting by Admiral Walke.