The Arkansas probably would have been used as support for Gen. Richard Taylor's retaking of New Orleans and points north if the ship made Baton Rouge. Van Dorn would have figured in this if Dr. Peters didn't pop a cap on him.
Gen. Joseph Lancaster Brent, ordnance officer to Taylor, was ready to resume manufacturing as soon as the city was secure. Brent had stockpiles of materials and skilled people that moved east to Girard and Columbus, Ga. after the non-event. Taylor's force never suffered for want of the essentials for long. Brent was an amazing individual. Federal movement to the north scared Richmond into calling off the operation. Hulls that went up in flames on the ways might have had the chance to be towed downriver for completion.