 By then Davis' ironclads had steamed within easy range of the southern ships and began to score with the effective fire.In the ensuing close action, the Confederate River Defense Fleet was destroyed; all of its ships, except the "Van Dorn", were either captured, sunk, or grounded.Mingo and "Lioness", ordered to protect the rear of Ellet's column, reached the scene of battle after the rout was over.