The Battle of Big Bethel ended in complete failure for the Federals, who suffered 76 casualties: 18 killed, 53 wounded, and 5 missing. The Northern press blamed Gen. Benjamin F. Butler for ordering his troops into battle with poor preparation and for remaining at Fort Monroe during the fighting, while Gen. Ebenezer W. Pierce received most of the blame for losing his presence of mind and failing to coordinate the attacks. Federal officers Theodore Winthrop and John Greble were praised for their valor and sacrifice. Southerners rejoiced as Confederate losses were only 1 killed, Pvt. Henry L. Wyatt, 7 wounded, and 3 missing, and Confederate President Jefferson Davis called it a glorious victory. Although Col. Daniel H. Hill directed most of the action on the battlefield, Col. John B. Magruder received most of the acclaim and was promoted to brigadier general a week later. The Confederates held the advantage of secure earthworks, while Federal commanders maneuvered inexperienced troops in their first combat of the war, and ineptness and inexperience combined to produce an embarrassing Union defeat. Though small compared with later battles, Big Bethel came at the beginning of the war, when few anticipated the slaughter to come.