I think they were doomed, but if that 10 inch Columbiad had not been accidently spiked, the artillery company might have taken out a couple more ships. It must have been very intimidating for those yankee sailors, especially after the direct hit. There were not enough artillerymen, even with the few conscripted infantryman that were hastily "trained" to assist. The lack of manpower, being out-guned and (as David points out) the poor design of the fort made the heroics that much more remarkable. Thank you for your service Pawpaw.