It had been agreed between Walke and Captain Foote that in case the former was successful, he was to make it known by firing minute guns.  The captain was listening intently, when through the rain and darkness the welcome signals reached his ears, and he thanked God that all had come out so well.

Now that General Pope had received the transport for which he longed, Captain Foote breathed freely and prepared to give what help he could in the attack upon the rebel fortifications; but, to his surprise, Pope sent an urgent request that a second boat should be sent to him on the next night, adding that the success of the whole movement depended upon a compliance with this request.

Foote replied that it would be as safe to run the batteries at midday as on a clear night; for a vessel had to pass not only seven batteries, but be kept “head on” to a battery of eleven guns, at the upper part of Island No. 10, and to pass within 300 yards of it.  In deference to Pope’s earnest request, Captain Foote consented to prepare another boat, but would not permit it to start until the night was favorable.

The second night was similar to the one described, and Lieutenant Thompson, in charge of the Pittsburg, started down the river at two o’clock in the morning.  Although exposed to the same fire as the Carondelet, he was equally fortunate, and ran the gauntlet with the same good fortune.

The passage of these two ironclads sealed the fate of Island No. 10, for Pope could now cross the river, and, by taking position in the rear of the Confederate works, cut off the supplies of the garrison.  The crossing was made and the enemy’s batteries silenced.  On the 8th the island was surrendered to Captain Foote and General Pope, including the garrison of 5,000 men.

Captain Foote’s next move was to Fort Pillow.  All this time he was suffering so severely from the wound in his foot that it affected his spirits, usually buoyant and hopeful.  Another disturbing cause was the continual interference of General Halleck, who prevented several movements that Foote knew must have resulted in important successes.

His health continued to decline till finally the day came when he was compelled to ask for a leave of absence.  He went to his brother’s home in Cleveland, where his condition caused great solicitude throughout the country.  Afflictions crowded upon him.  He returned to his home, which was shadowed by the death of his bright boy at the age of fourteen years.  A few months later two of his daughters died.  How hollow sounded the praises of his countrymen when his head was bowed with such overwhelming sorrow!  He had been made rear admiral, and, though still weak, was by his own request assigned to the command of the North Atlantic squadron.  He went to New York to complete his preparations, but while there succumbed to his illness, and died at the Astor House, June 26, 1863.

CHAPTER XXVIII.