And then came the _Richmond_ with her consort to narrowly escape a collision with the _Brooklyn_, but as she turned away, her broadside was brought to bear fairly on the fort, and she opened such a rapid fire that she was wholly hid from view. Admiral Buchanan, who had watched her with more than ordinary interest because of a personal friendship for Captain Jenkins, was led to say: “What became of Jenkins? I saw his vessel go handsomely into action, and then lost sight of her entirely.” Nevertheless, Jenkins was there, and in a most active condition of health. With the other larger ships, she helped to silence the forts so far that the last ships of the line passed in with but slight damage. But once inside the line of torpedoes--torpedoes that had failed because made of tin that rusted away or because of other defects in make--the Union squadron had to face the Confederate ships. The Confederate gunboats had seemed of no moment at first, but as the _Hartford_ advanced they retreated slowly, keeping within about 700 yards, and delivering an effective fire. Farragut sent the _Metacomet_ after them, and she disabled the _Gaines_, drove another flying back to the fort, while the third, the _Selma_, kept on, with Jouett eager in the chase. The two were soon in shoal water, and the man at the lead on the _Metacomet_ called out a foot less water than she drew. It was reported instantly to Jouett. “Call the man in,” said Jouett. “He is only intimidating me with his soundings.” Fortunately, it was a soft mud bottom. The _Metacomet_ kept on. A squall came to hide the _Selma_, but when it passed, Jouett was upon her, and her flag came down. Meantime the _Tennessee_ had run amuck among the Union squadron. Her first attempt to ram was on the _Hartford_, but the _Hartford_ was swifter and handier, and so escaped. Then she passed the _Brooklyn_, the _Richmond_, and the _Lackawanna_, and turned toward the _Monongahela_. Captain Strong of this ship strove in turn to ram the _Tennessee_, and each glanced from the other. Thereafter the _Tennessee_ passed clear through the fleet, doing and receiving but little damage. Then she turned near the fort to follow up the Union squadron. At about this time (8.35 o’clock) Farragut ordered the men on the _Hartford_ sent to breakfast. Captain Drayton said: “What we have done has been well done, sir, but it all counts for nothing so long as the _Tennessee_ is there under the guns of Morgan.” “I know it,” said Farragut, “and as soon as the people have had their breakfasts I’m going for her.”