Meanwhile, on board "Mississippi", Captain Melancton Smith saw "Richmond" coming downstream but, because of the heavy smoke of the battle, was unable to sight "Monongahela". Thinking that she had steamed ahead to close the gap caused by "Richmond"'s leaving the formation, he ordered his ship "go ahead fast". In attempting to do so, "Mississippi" ran aground and, despite every effort, could not be brought off. After being set afire in four places, she was abandoned. At 3:00 a.m., "Mississippi" was seen in flames floating slowly down river; and, two and one-half hours later, she blew up. Thus ended one of the war's fiercest engagements. Only "Hartford" and "Albatross" had succeeded in running the gauntlet.