Had he taken Fort Pillow, he would have held the honor of being the captor of Memphis, as that city must have fallen with the strong fortifications which served as its protection.
The capture of Island Number Ten was marked by the only instance of a successful canal from one bend of the Mississippi to another.

As soon as the channel was completed, General Pope took his transports below the island, ready for moving his men.

Admiral Foote tried the first experiment of running his gun-boats past the Rebel batteries, and was completely successful.

The Rebel transports could not escape, neither could transports or gun-boats come up from Memphis to remove the Rebel army.

There was a lake in the rear of the Rebels which prevented their retreat.