Diary of Sergeant David L. Day: December 10, 1863

NEWPORT NEWS.

I am now on the sacred soil of old Virginia, and my first care will be to seek an introduction to some of the F. F. V's. What this place derived its name from, or why it was named at all, I have not been able to learn. It was simply a plantation before its occupation by Federal troops, and perhaps the name is good as any to distinguish it by. Our camp is near the river, and only a few rods from us lie the wrecks of the frigates Cumberland and Congress, sunk by the rebel ram Merrimac. The Cumberland lies in deep water out of sight, but the deck of the Congress is seen and often visited by the boys at low water. Since the occupation of this place by Federal troops it has grown into what they call down this way a town, containing quite a collection of rough board store-houses, sutler's shops, negro shanties and horse sheds. A boat runs from here to Fortress Monroe every day, and three times a week to Norfolk; the distance to either place is about the same, some twelve miles.

For the first time since the war began, the oyster fishing is being prosecuted, and Hampton Roads are alive with oyster schooners. The oysters have had a chance to grow, and are now abundant and of good size and favor. Newport News was the first place in Virginia, except Washington, that was occupied by Federal troops, and it was from here that a part of old Ben's fàmous Big Bethel expedition started.

During my absence, this military department has gone all wrong. Gen. Foster has been ordered to Knoxville, Tenn., and Gen. Butler has superseded him to this command. I am not. pleased with the change. Gen. Foster was a splendid man and fine officer, and I would rather take my chances with a regular army officer than with an amateur. The first year of the war Gen. Butler was the busiest and most successful general we had, but since then he has kind o' taken to niggers and trading. As a military governor he is a nonesuch, and in that role has gained a great fame, especially in all the rebellious states.

He is a lawyer and a man of great executive ability, and can not only make laws but can see to it that they are observed, but as a commander of troops in the field, he is not just such a man as I should pick out. He had a review of our brigade the other day, and his style of soldiering caused considerable fun among the boys who had been used to seeing Gen. Foster. He rode on to the field with a great dash, followed by staff enough for two major-generals. He looks very awkward on a horse and wears a soft hat; when he salutes the colors he lifts his hat by the crown clear off his head instead of simply touching the rim. The boys think he is hardly up to their ideas of a general, but as they are not supposed to know anything, they will have to admit that he is a great general. He is full of orders and laws (regardless of army regulations) in the government of his department, and his recent order in relation to darkies fills two columns of newspaper print, and is all the most fastidious lovers of darkies in all New England could desire. Hunter and Fremont are the merest pigmies beside Ben in their care of darkies.

SOURCE: David L. Day, My Diary of Rambles with the 25th Mass. Volunteer Infantry, p. 109-10

George S. Denison to Salmon P. Chase, January 8, 1863

(Private)

New Orleans, January 8th, 1863.

Dear Sir: A disaster has occurred at Galveston, similar to that near Fortress Monroe when the Cumberland and Congress were destroyed.

The rebels under Magruder, came down from Houston with four boats (steam) protected by cotton bales. At the same time, a land force, estimated from 3,000 to 7,000 crossed the bridge to the Island and occupied Galveston. This occurred about one or two o'clock on the morning of Jan. 1st. About 3 o'clock an attack was made by land and water on the Gunboats —which were in the narrow channel within musket shot of the shore. The “Harriet Lane” run into a rebel boat and sunk her, but became entangled in the wreck and could not get off. She was carried by boarding and captured. Less than twenty of her men are supposed to survive (out of 130). The Westfield (Flag Ship) was aground. Commodore Renshaw sent off to the other vessels all the men and officers except eight or ten, and then blew up the vessel and himself with her. He did not intend to destroy himself, but the magazine took fire unexpectedly, just as he was escaping. Two hundred and fifty men of a Massachusetts regiment (infantry only) were posted in the town, and were all captured or killed. The Gunboats had previous notice of the attack, and there must have been negligence on the part of the officers. Our loss is — “Harriet Lane” captured, but believed to be too much injured to be fit for sea for some time. The “Westfield” blown up.

Two sailing vessels loaded with coal for the navy.

About 400 men killed or taken prisoners.

All the other vessels (two were Gunboats) escaped. The fight lasted from three o'clock until 10 A. M.

Admiral Farragut, on receipt of the news, immediately dispatched several vessels to Galveston, which will set things right again, I hope. The 1st. Texas Reg't., Col. Davis, arrived, after the capture, on the S. Ship “Cumbria,” and narrowly escaped capture. The reg't. numbers about 200 men, who have all returned here.

The condition of things here does not seem to me to be very satisfactory — but Gen. Banks has not been here long enough to determine the prospect of improvement.

I think Gen. Banks lacks decision. With one or two exceptions, his staff are not men of ability. He seems to favor the policy of conciliation — which policy is weak and will always be unsuccessful. I can hardly get him to express an opinion — or if he does, it does not seem to be an earnest conviction. Secessionists grow more defiant and Union men despondent. This, I hope, and think, will be changed. I believe he is thoroughly honest, and he already has effected much good by putting down swindlers and army speculators. Gen. Butler's military commission (Gen. Orders No. 91) did an immense amount of mischief and injustice. Gen. Butler is an extraordinary man, but did very wrong in all things connected with internal trade. I have frequently heard Union men say they wished he was President, for though he would make millions for himself during the first three months, he would finish the war in three months more.

Gen. Banks has a very difficult position, for he comes here a stranger and four weeks at least are necessary for him to become informed of the situation.

The Government can finish this war in twelve months — in one way and in only one. Arm the negroes. I am perfectly satisfied it must be done. Why delay it? It can be done here without throwing the border states into a fever. Here and in S. Carolina and not well elsewhere. I called upon Gen. Banks this morning and urged the matter on his attention, as I have often done before. He agreed with me that the war could be finished in that way, but seems afraid of taking the responsibility. I wish I could assume the responsibility for him. I would suggest that you write me a letter to be shown to Gen. Banks, giving your opinion of the expediency of raising negro troops, and stating how such a step will be regarded by the Administration. If he is assured in this manner that the Government will approve, perhaps he will enlist the negroes. There are at least 20,000 black men within our lines who will make good and willing soldiers, 50,000 more can be raised west of the Mississippi as our army advances.

The three colored regiments already organized, have petitioned Gen. Banks to be put in the front rank at Port Hudson, that they may have a chance of removing the stigma of alleged cowardice from their race, and vindicate their rights and abilities as soldiers. I urge him to grant their request, but do not know what he will do about it. The negroes all say they can finish the war if the Gov't. will give them a chance. By no other means is success certain. Why delay it?

If it had not been for speculations in the sugar crops, Gen. Butler would have raised more regiments, but the men were wanted on the plantations to take off the crops.

Our last dates from the North are of the 20th. December. It is rumored that Gen. Butler may go into the Cabinet. I almost wish he would. He is a man of wonderful energy, will, and ability, and will always be admired by the Union men of New Orleans, even though he is believed by some to have acquired great wealth here.

Military affairs remain in the same condition as when I last wrote. Port Hudson has not been attacked and I don't know when it will be. The rebels are said to be receiving re-inforcements there.

P. S. Gen. Hamilton is still here.

SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 345-7

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: Saturday, August 6, 1864

A very pleasant ride down the James. Rounded Lighthouse Point. Soon passed Harrison's Landing, then Fort Powhatan and Wilcox's Landing. Here danger from reb guns ceased. The old Jamestown site on left bank, a few chimneys still standing. Newport near where the Merrimac fight came off, Cumberland and Congress sunk. Sewall's Point across, eight miles down Fortress Monroe. Went ashore. Everything carried on in the finest style. Splendid fort, having an armament of over 200 guns and “The Union” monster gun which fired a shot from Fort Monroe to Sewall's Point, 8 miles. Ripraps still progressing. A splendid fort built in center of stream on the shoals, Gov't prisoners at work on it. Through Hampton Roads into the Chesapeake and Atlantic. Passing Old Point Comfort, the bay is very wide. Saw an American and English frigate and a French gunboat. An English cutter manned by 8 or 10 fellows in white came ashore. Reached Point Lookout about sundown, the ironclad Roanoke lying off the point. Up the river, 12 miles, and anchored for the night. A most pleasant trip. Stormed enough to roughen the bay a little. Good fare upon the boat. Pass hundreds of boats, most of them making their way to City Point, I suppose. Phosphorus.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 126-7

Diary of Gideon Welles: Saturday, September 20, 1862

Am troubled by Preble's conduct. There must be a stop put to the timid, hesitating, and I fear sometimes traitorous course of some of our officers. Tenderness, remonstrance, reproof do no good. Preble is not a traitor, but loyal. An educated, gentlemanly officer of a distinguished family and more than ordinary acquirements, but wants promptitude, energy, decision, audacity, perhaps courage. I am inclined to believe, however, an excess of reading, and a fear that he might violate etiquette, some point of international law, or that he should give offense to Great Britain, whose insolence the State Department fears and deprecates and submits to with all humility, had its influence. He paused at a critical moment to reflect on what he had read and the state of affairs. A man less versed in books would have sunk the pirate if she did not stop when challenged, regardless of her colors. No Englishman had a right to approach and pass the sentinel on duty. Preble was placed there to prevent intercourse, — was a sentinel to watch the Rebels and all others, — and no Englishman had a right to trespass. A board of officers would be likely to excuse him, as in the case of —— and ——,¹ on account of his amiable qualities, general intelligence, and good intentions. The time has arrived when these derelictions must not go unpunished. I should have preferred that some other man should have been punished. I have had the subject under consideration with some of the best minds I could consult, and found no difference of opinion. I then took the dispatches to the President and submitted them to him. He said promptly: “Dismiss him. If that is your opinion, it is mine. I will do it.” Secretary Seward and Attorney-General Bates, each of whom I casually met, advised dismissal. It is painful, but an unavoidable duty. I am sorry for Preble, but shall be sorry for my country if it is not done. Its effect upon the Navy will be more salutary than were he and fifty like him to fall in battle.

Commander Joe Smith,² who died at his post when the ill-fated Congress went down from the assault of the Merrimac, perished in the line of duty. I have never been satisfied with the conduct of the flag-officer³ in those days, who was absent in the waters of North Carolina, — purposely and unnecessarily absent, in my apprehension, through fear of the Merrimac, which he knew was completed, and ready to come out. It was like dread of the new Merrimac at Richmond, which was nearly ready, that led him finally to resign his squadron command. He has wordy pretensions, some capacity, but no hard courage. There is a clan of such men in the Navy, varying in shade and degree, who in long years of peace have been students and acquired position, but whose real traits are not generally understood. The Department is compelled to give them commands, and at the same time is held responsible for their weakness, errors, and want of fighting qualities.

Nothing conclusive from the army. The Rebels have crossed the river without being hurt or seriously molested, — much in character with the general army management of the war. Little is said on the subject. Stanton makes an occasional sneering remark, Chase now and then a better one, but there is no general review, inquiry, or discussion. There is no abatement of hostility to McClellan.

­­­_______________

¹ No names in original.

² Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith.

³ Captain, afterwards Rear-Admiral, Louis M. Goldsborough.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 141-2

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: March 11, 1862

A freshman came quite eager to be instructed in all the wiles of society. He wanted to try his hand at a flirtation, and requested minute instructions, as he knew nothing whatever: he was so very fresh. “Dance with her,” he was told, “and talk with her; walk with her and natter her; dance until she is warm and tired; then propose to walk in a cool, shady piazza. It must be a somewhat dark piazza. Begin your promenade slowly; warm up to your work; draw her arm closer and closer; then, break her wing.”

“Heavens, what is that — break her wing?” “Why, you do not know even that? Put your arm round her waist and kiss her. After that, it is all plain sailing. She comes down when you call like the coon to Captain Scott: ‘You need not fire, Captain,’ etc.”

The aspirant for fame as a flirt followed these lucid directions literally, but when he seized the poor girl and kissed her, she uplifted her voice in terror, and screamed as if the house was on fire. So quick, sharp, and shrill were her yells for help that the bold flirt sprang over the banister, upon which grew a strong climbing rose. This he struggled through, and ran toward the college, taking a bee line. He was so mangled by the thorns that he had to go home and have them picked out by his family. The girl's brother challenged him. There was no mortal combat, however, for the gay young fellow who had led the freshman's ignorance astray stepped forward and put things straight. An explanation and an apology at every turn hushed it all up.

Now, we all laughed at this foolish story most heartily. But Mr. Venable remained grave and preoccupied, and was asked: “Why are you so unmoved? It is funny.” “I like more probable fun; I have been in college and I have kissed many a girl, but never a one scrome yet.”

Last Saturday was the bloodiest we have had in proportion to numbers.¹ The enemy lost 1,500. The handful left at home are rushing to arms at last. Bragg has gone to join Beauregard at Columbus, Miss, Old Abe truly took the field in that Scotch cap of his.

Mrs. McCord,² the eldest daughter of Langdon Cheves, got up a company for her son, raising it at her own expense. She has the brains and energy of a man. To-day she repeated a remark of a low-country gentleman, who is dissatisfied: “This Government (Confederate) protects neither person nor property.'” Fancy the scornful turn of her lip! Some one asked for Langdon Cheves, her brother. “Oh, Langdon!” she replied coolly, “he is a pure patriot; he has no ambition. While I was there, he was letting Confederate soldiers ditch through his garden and ruin him at their leisure.”

Cotton is five cents a pound and labor of no value at all; it commands no price whatever. People gladly hire out their negroes to have them fed and clothed, which latter can not be done. Cotton osnaburg at 37½ cents a yard, leaves no chance to clothe them. Langdon was for martial law and making the bloodsuckers disgorge their ill-gotten gains. We, poor fools, who are patriotically ruining ourselves will see our children in the gutter while treacherous dogs of millionaires go rolling by in their coaches — coaches that were acquired by taking advantage of our necessities.

This terrible battle of the ships — Monitor, Merrimac, etc. All hands on board the Cumberland went down. She fought gallantly and fired a round as she sank. The Congress ran up a white flag. She fired on our boats as they went up to take off her wounded. She was burned. The worst of it is that all this will arouse them to more furious exertions to destroy us. They hated us so before, but how now?

In Columbia I do not know a half-dozen men who would not gaily step into Jeff Davis's shoes with a firm conviction that they would do better in every respect than he does. The monstrous conceit, the fatuous ignorance of these critics! It is pleasant to hear Mrs. McCord on this subject, when they begin to shake their heads and tell us what Jeff Davis ought to do.

_______________

¹ On March 7 and 8, 1862, occurred the battle of Pea Ridge in Western Arkansas, where the Confederates were defeated, and on March 8th and 9th, occurred the conflict in Hampton Roads between the warships Merrimac, Cumberland, Congress, and Monitor.

² Louisa Susanna McCord, whose husband was David J. McCord, a lawyer of Columbia, who died in 1855. She was educated in Philadelphia, and was the author of several books of verse, including Caius Gracchus, a tragedy; she was also a brilliant pamphleteer,

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 138-40

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: March 7, 1862

Mrs. Middleton was dolorous indeed. General Lee had warned the planters about Combahee, etc., that they must take care of themselves now; he could not do it. Confederate soldiers had committed some outrages on the plantations and officers had punished them promptly. She poured contempt upon Yancey's letter to Lord Russell.¹ It was the letter of a shopkeeper, not in the style of a statesman at all.

We called to see Mary McDuffie.² She asked Mary Preston what Doctor Boykin had said of her husband as we came along in the train. She heard it was something very complimentary. Mary P. tried to remember, and to repeat it all, to the joy of the other Mary, who liked to hear nice things about her husband.

Mary was amazed to hear of the list of applicants for promotion. One delicate-minded person accompanied his demand for advancement by a request for a written description of the Manassas battle; he had heard Colonel Chesnut give such a brilliant account of it in Governor Cobb's room.

The Merrimac³ business has come like a gleam of lightning illumining a dark scene. Our sky is black and lowering.

The Judge saw his little daughter at my window and he came up. He was very smooth and kind. It was really a delightful visit; not a disagreeable word was spoken. He abused no one whatever, for he never once spoke of any one but himself, and himself he praised without stint. He did not look at me once, though he spoke very kindly to me.

_______________

¹ Lord Russell was Foreign Secretary under the Palmerston administration of 1859 to 1865.

² Mary McDuffie was the second wife of Wade Hampton.

³ The Merrimac was formerly a 40-gun screw frigate of the United States Navy. In April, 1861, when the Norfolk Navy-yard was abandoned by the United States she was sunk. Her hull was afterward raised by the Confederates and she was reconstructed on new plans, and renamed the Virginia. On March 2, 1862, she destroyed the Congress, a sailing-ship of 50 guns, and the Cumberland, a sailing-ship of 30 guns, at Newport News. On March 7th she attacked the Minnesota, but was met by the Monitor and defeated in a memorable engagement. Many features of modern battle-ships have been derived from the Merrimac and Monitor.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 136-7

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: March 11, 1862

Yesterday we heard good news from the mouth of James River. The ship "Virginia," formerly the Merrimac, having been completely incased with iron, steamed out into Hampton Roads, ran into the Federal vessel Cumberland, and then destroyed the Congress, and ran the Minnesota ashore. Others were damaged. We have heard nothing further; but this is glory enough for one day, for which we will thank God and take courage.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 100

Diary of Gideon Welles: Saturday, September 20, 1862

Am troubled by Preble's conduct. There must be a stop put to the timid, hesitating, and I fear sometimes traitorous course of some of our officers. Tenderness, remonstrance, reproof do no good. Preble is not a traitor, but loyal. An educated, gentlemanly officer of a distinguished family and more than ordinary acquirements, but wants promptitude, energy, decision, audacity, perhaps courage. I am inclined to believe, however, an excess of reading, and a fear that he might violate etiquette, some point of international law, or that he should give offense to Great Britain, whose insolence the State Department fears and deprecates and submits to with all humility, had its influence. He paused at a critical moment to reflect on what he had read and the state of affairs. A man less versed in books would have sunk the pirate if she did not stop when challenged, regardless of her colors. No Englishman had a right to approach and pass the sentinel on duty. Preble was placed there to prevent intercourse, ____ was a sentinel to watch the Rebels and all others, — and no Englishman had a right to trespass. A board of officers would be likely to excuse him, as in the case of ____ and ____,¹ on account of his amiable qualities, general intelligence, and good intentions. The time has arrived when these derelictions must not go unpunished. I should have preferred that some other man should have been punished. I have had the subject under consideration with some of the best minds I could consult, and found no difference of opinion. I then took the dispatches to the President and submitted them to him. He said promptly: “Dismiss him. If that is your opinion, it is mine. I will do it.” Secretary Seward and Attorney-General Bates, each of whom I casually met, advised dismissal. It is painful, but an unavoidable duty. I am sorry for Preble, but shall be sorry for my country if it is not done. Its effect upon the Navy will be more salutary than were he and fifty like him to fall in battle.

Commander Joe Smith,² who died at his post when the ill-fated Congress went down from the assault of the Merrimac, perished in the line of duty. I have never been satisfied with the conduct of the flag-officer³ in those days, who was absent in the waters of North Carolina, — purposely and unnecessarily absent, in my apprehension, through fear of the Merrimac, which he knew was completed, and ready to come out. It was like dread of the new Merrimac at Richmond, which was nearly ready, that led him finally to resign his squadron command. He has wordy pretensions, some capacity, but no hard courage. There is a clan of such men in the Navy, varying in shade and degree, who in long years of peace have been students and acquired position, but whose real traits are not generally understood. The Department is compelled to give them commands, and at the same time is held responsible for their weakness, errors, and want of fighting qualities.

Nothing conclusive from the army. The Rebels have crossed the river without being hurt or seriously molested, — much in character with the general army management of the war. Little is said on the subject. Stanton makes an occasional sneering remark, Chase now and then a better one, but there is no general review, inquiry, or discussion. There is no abatement of hostility to McClellan.

__________

¹ No names in original.

² Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith.

³ Captain, afterwards Rear-Admiral Louis M. Goldsborough.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 141-2

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, March 11, 1862

CAMP AT HUNTER'S MILLS, VA., March 11, 1862.

I send you a few hasty lines to tell you where we are, and to relieve the anxiety which you will doubtless have from the reports in the papers. Yesterday at 11 A. M. we received orders to march. At 1 P. M. we got off, and marched fifteen miles, arriving at this point about 8 P. M. The whole army has advanced, and we are on the extreme right, distant about twelve miles from Centreville. We presumed when starting yesterday that we would have a brush in a day or two with the enemy. But this morning we hear that McDowell's Division, that advanced on Centreville, finding it was evacuated, and hearing that they had evacuated Manassas, continued on and is now in possession of their lately vaunted impregnable stronghold. Thus the prospects of another Bull Run battle are dissipated — unless they have, as the French say, only reculer pour mieux sauter.

We hear to-day of the disastrous naval conflict at Newport News.¹ This is a very bad business, and shows the superior enterprise of our enemies. There is no reason we should not have had the Cumberland iron-clad, as the Merrimac has been prepared by them. The loss of two such vessels as the Cumberland and the Congress, two of our finest frigates, is a very serious blow, not only to our material interests, but to our pride and naval forces.

I have not time to write you much beyond the fact that I am well. I have been in the saddle all day, posting troops and pickets, and making all the preparations to meet the enemy, though, from the reports in existence and believed, there is not much probability of his showing himself about here.

__________

¹ Destruction of the gun-boats Cumberland and Congress by the Confederate iron-clad Merrimac.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 251

The Destruction of the Frigate Cumberland by the Iron-plated Merrimac --- The Gallantry of our Sailors

The following in an extract from a letter written at Fortress Monroe by one of the editors of the Baltimore American, a cool and practical observer and careful writer:

She approached the Cumberland at full speed, striking her on the port side near the bow, her stem knocking port No. 1 and the bridle port into one, whilst her ram cut into the Cumberland under water.  Almost at the moment of collision the Merrimac discharged from her forward gun [an] 11-inch shell.  This shell raked the whole gun deck, killing ten men at gun No. 1, among whom was Master Mate John Harrington, and cutting off both arms and both legs of Quarter-gunner Wood.  The water rushed in from the hole made below, and in five minutes the ship began to sink by the head.

Shell and solid shot from the Cumberland were rained on the Merrimac as she passed ahead, but the most glanced harmlessly from the incline of her iron plated bomb roof, though some shots which struck her at a more favorable ranged caused splinters of iron to fly.

As the Merrimac rounded to and came upon she again raked the Cumberland with a heavy fire.  At this fire 16 men at gun No. 10 were killed or wounded, and were all subsequently carried down in the sinking ship.  Among those unfortunates whose names were remembered by my informant were two of the carpenter’s crew, named Wm. O’Brien and John Cameron.

Advancing with increased momentum, the Merrimac struck the Cumberland on the starboard side, smashing her upper works and cutting another hole below the water line.

The ship began to rapidly settle, and the scene became most horrible.  The cock-pit was filled with wounded whom it was impossible to bring up.  The forward magazine was under water, but powder was still supplied from the after magazine, and the firing kept steadily up by me who knew that the ship was sinking under them.  They worked desperately and unremittingly, and amidst the din and horror of the conflict gave cheers for their flag and the Union which were joined by the wounded.  The decks were very slippery with blood, and arms and legs, and chunks of flesh were strewed about.  The Merrimac laid off at easy point blank range, discharging her broadsides alternately at the Cumberland and Congress.  The water by this time had reached the after magazine of the Cumberland.  The men, however, kept at work and several cases of powder were passed up and the guns kept in play.  Several of the men in the after shell room lingered there too long in their eagerness to pass up shell and were drowned.  The reader must bear in mind that these incidents of the fight which we briefly detail, occupied some time in transpiring, it being about one hour and a half from the first attack upon the Cumberland until she finally sunk.

The water had at this time reached the berth or main gun deck, and it was felt hopeless and useless to continue the fight longer.  The word was given for each man to save himself, but after this order gun No. 7 was fired when the adjoining gun N. 6 was actually under water. – This last shot was fired by an active little fellow named Matthew Teney, whose courage had been conspicuous throughout the action.  As his port was left open by the recoil of the gun, he jumped to scramble out, but the water rushed in with so much force that he was washed back and drowned.

When the order was given to cease firing, and to look out for their safety in the best way possible, numbers scampered through the port holes, whilst others reached the spar deck by the companion-ways.  Some were incapable to get out either of these means, and were carried down by the rapidly sinking ship.  Of those who reached the upper deck, some swam off to the tugs that came out from Newport News, some kept afloat by seizing floating fragments of the wreck, others escaped in the rigging and masts, and still others sank never to rise again.

The Cumberland sank in water nearly up to her cross trees, and lies with a heavy list to port.  She went down with her flag still flying, and it still flies from the mast above the waters that overwhelmed her, a memento of the bravest, most daring, and yet most hopeless defence that has ever been made by any vessel belonging to any navy in the world.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

Arrival of Seamen

NEW YORK, March 18. – The steam frigate Roanoke which arrived to-day from Hampton Roads, brought 149 of the crew of the frigate Congress, and 119 of the Cumberland.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

While every heart must feel deeply the loss of . . .

. . . the thousands of our gallant soldiers who are laying down their lives in hospitals and upon battle fields, yet we cannot but glory in their heroism and feel proud that our flag has so many legions of true men willing to die for it.  History never recorded deeds of more heroic daring than those which have recently been enacted upon various battle fields.

The fidelity and bravery of John Davis, gunner’s mate, on board the steamer Valley City, on the occasion of the attack on Elizabeth City, in covering with his body an open barrel of gun powder in a magazine, while the flames kindled by an exploding shell were burning around him, is an act of self-sacrificing courage, the recital of which thrills every heart.  It is near akin to the act of the Dutch officer at the siege of Antwerp, who fired the magazine and perished in the explosion.

The account which is brought us of the naval engagement at Fortress Monroe, where our brave sailors, on their wooden hulks, fought at such fearful odds against the iron-clad Merrimac, will impress all readers with the gallantry and heroism of our tars.  We are told that the Merrimac lay off at easy point blank range and discharged her broadsides alternately at the Cumberland and Congress, both helpless, every shot telling fearfully upon them, while they were unable to penetrate the iron plating of their adversary.  The Cumberland began to sink.  Her forward magazine was under water, but powder was still supplied them from her magazine and the firing kept steadily up by the men who knew the ship was sinking under them.  Amid the din and horror of the conflict, the decks slippery with blood and strewn with dissevered legs and arms and chunks of flesh, the men worked unremittingly and cheered the flag and the Union, the wounded joining in.  Some of the men in their eagerness remained in the after magazine passing up ammunition and several were thus drowned.  When the water had reached the main deck it was felt hopeless to continue the fight longer and the word was given for each man to save himself as best he could.  After this, Matthew Tenny, whose courage had been conspicuous throughout the fight, fired his gun, the one next it being under water.  As his port was left open by the recoil of his gun he jumped to scramble out, but the water rushed in with such force that he was washed back and drowned.  While we contemplate the fearful and needless sacrifice of life at Fortress Monroe, the exhibition of courage and heroism such as this must challenge our admiration and inspire our confidence in a Government and a country thus devotedly loved and served.

But the gallant conduct of our tars at Fortress Monroe is equaled by the small force of our regular army at Fort Craig, New Mexico, in a recent battle with the Texan desperadoes who had determined to overrun and conquer that territory and annex it to the C. S. A.  We are told that a force of picked men charged desperately upon our artillery – the Mexicans run panic-stricken, of course – but Capt. Plympton’a infantry stood and fought desperately till half were killed.  Lieutenants Michler and Stone were killed.  With his artillerymen cut down, his support either killed wounded or driven from the field, Capt. McRae set down calmly upon one of his guns, and with revolver in hand, refusing to fly or desert his post, fought to the last and died the death of a hero, the last man by his guns.  If we are to credit this account, Capt. McRAE exhibited on this occasion a courage and devotion never surpassed in any age or country.

Capt. Alexander McRae was a graduate of West Point and a native of North Carolina, about thirty years of age.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 1

From Fortress Monroe

Further particulars of the Naval Engagement.

FT. MONROE, March 10. – The Minnesota yesterday returned to her usual station at the entrance to the roads; she is again ready for action.  The Monitor came down early this morning, and was greeted with enthusiastic cheers by the various vessels in the harbor.  Gen. Wool and staff, and assistant Secretary Fox of the Navy went on board this morning.  She was found not to be damaged in the slightest degree, and is as well prepared as ever she could be for another action.  Her performance was perfectly satisfactorily [sic] to her officers and men, and they all speak of her in the highest terms of praise.

The gunboat White Hall took fire at 2 o’clock this morning and was totally destroyed.

The French sloop of war Rinaldo arrived here this morning from off Charleston.  No news.

The latest estimate of the number of killed on the Congress is fifty including three officers – Lieut. James Smith, commanding, Acting Master Thos. Moore, and coast pilot Wm. Rounds.  Twenty-seven are reported wounded and forty were taken prisoners – none of them officers.

On board the Cumberland Rev. Sothard, the Chaplain, was drowned, and Master’s Mate Harrington was killed.  But few of the wounded escaped to shore.  The number of killed and wounded is about one hundred and fifty.

On the White Hall Third Assistant Engineer Andrew Nesbit and Robt. Wough and Charles O’Connor, seamen, were killed, and two or three wounded.

The Wm. Wheldon received a shot in her boiler, and the rescue was damaged in her machinery.  The former was towed to Baltimore by the Adelaide.  Six men were killed and seventeen wounded, not including any officer.  So far as known she is said to have received quite a number of shots.

The Roanoke received but two shots and little damage was occasioned by them.  No casualty occurred on board except the falling of a man from aloft.

It is generally believed now that the Minnesota must have received serious damage.  It is the testimony of some that she was considerably stove in the side as she went behind Sewall’s Point.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 4

The Naval Engagement

FORTRESS MONROE, March 9. – The long expected Confederate steamer Merrimac made her appearance here yesterday p. m., with the assistance of two gunboats, which came out with her from Norfolk, made an attack upon Newport News, and the naval vessels stationed at that place.  The Merrimac was first seen from the ramparts of Fortress Monroe on her way to Newport News, at about a quarter before one o’clock.  Two rebel gunboats followed her.  They all carried a rebel flag at the stern, and had a French flag at the masthead.  The Merrimac had a flag at her bows, which was discernible by some as the Commodore’s blue flag, and by others as a black flag.  The sides, bows, and stern of the Merrimac were covered with sloping iron plates, extending about two feet below the water line, and meeting above like a roofed house.  On her bows on the water are two sharp iron points resembling plows, about six or seven feet apart.  The number of guns is stated at twelve, but she might not have had so many. – At her bows were seen two guns, projecting from long elliptical ports.  The design of the enemy did not become apparent till between 1 and 2 o’clock, and by that time the Minnesota had got under way to the scene of action.  The Roanoke, the flag ship, being disabled by the breaking of her shaft some time since, was taken in tow by two gunboats, about the same time the alarm gun was fired at Fortress Monroe, and the whole garrison turned out.

The Rebel boats slowly pursued their way to Newport News, and the Merrimac soon turned the point and was lost to view from the Fortress.  The first shot was fired from the frigate Cumberland at a little past 2 o’clock.  The Sewall’s Point battery then opened on the Minnesota, which was passing, and the Sawyer gun from the Rip Raps replied with a few shots at Sewall’s Point.  A thick smoke was now seen to rise above Newport News point, indicating that the battery there as well as the Cumberland and Congress were engaged.

The action could not be seen from the Fort, but a telegraph dispatch was received in the morning that the Cumberland and Merrimac were in close quarters.  After firing two guns at the Cumberland the Merrimac closed, her sharp bows making a whole in her at the waterline some seven feet in extent.  The Merrimac backing a short distance ran into her a second time, making another terrible hole in her, causing the water to run in at a furious rate.  The Cumberland continued firing until the water entered her portholes, when she careened over slowly and finally sunk about three o’clock.  The Newport News battery and the Cumberland fired continuously upon the Merrimac, but no apparent effect was produced upon her.

The Minnesota got aground upon her way up and could afford but little assistance.

Shortly before 8 o’clock the Yorktown and Jamestown arrived from up the James River. – The former was disabled early in the p. m. and put in shore for repairs.  After sinking the Cumberland the Merrimac turned her attention to the Congress and in less than an hour afterwards a white flag was hoisted on the Congress.  A rebel gunboat immediately went alongside and took the officers and marines prisoners.  The seamen where allowed to escape to shore.  The frigate St. Lawrence arrived in the p. m., and without delay at once proceeded up the river and followed the example of the Minnesota and Roanoke in firing on the battery at Sewall’s Point, but, like the rest, her shot fell short.  The gunboat Mystic was also towed up in the p. m., but soon the Roanoke, St. Lawrence and Mystic all returned.  The Merrimac continued to throw shells into the camp ant Newport News, while the Jamestown and other rebel gunboats commenced firing on the Minnesota.  The latter replied as vigorously as possible and the conflict was continued without any apparent effect until dark.  During the evening the Congress was set on fire.  At midnight she was blown up, making a terrible explosion.  During the evening the Monitor arrived and at once proceeded to take part in the action.  During the night only an occasional gun was fired.  Reinforcements and men and ammunition were sent to Newport News early in the p. m.  Little serious damage was done and no one was killed.

This morning the Confederate was near until the presence of the Monitor was known to the Merrimac.  The latter was engaged with the Minnesota, and but for the fortunate arrival of the Monitor the Minnesota might have been lost.  The Monitor and Merrimac engaged each other for two or three hours at long and short range without perceptible effect upon either.  They went alongside of each other once or twice and seemed almost to run each other down, but they soon appeared again to renew the action.  The battery finally succeeded in forcing a long hole in the port side of the Merrimac, and she retired with the whole revel fleet to Norfolk.

At about 1 o’clock the United States gunboat Oregon was struck by the Merrimac in her boiler and was blown up.  This morning the U. S. gun boat Scioto was also seriously damaged and was obliged to return.

The principle loss of life was on board the Cumberland, where it is thought as many as one hundred and fifty must have been killed or drowned.  But few lives were lost on board the Minnesota according to account of her officers.

A rebel gun boat was cut in two yesterday by the Cumberland.

The Merrimac is understood to have been under Commodore [Buchanan], last of the Navy Yard.

Further Particulars.

WASHIGNTON, March 10. – Lieut. Wise, commander of the Potomac flotilla, in his official report to the navy Department, confirms the Rumor of the abandonment of the rebel batteries at Cock Pit, Shipping and other points along the Potomac, and also the burning of the steamer Page, and other rebel craft.

Lieut. Wise arrived this p. m., bringing dispatches from Fortress Monroe.  But few particulars have yet transpired, as his interview is not closed.  The following items are reliable:

Capt. Radford was engaged on a court martial and not on board the Cumberland.

Lieut. J. B. Smith, son of Com. Smith, was on board the Congress, and is killed.

The loss in killed, drowned, wounded and missing, is supposed to be over one hundred.

Lieut. Worden, who handled the Monitor so skillfully, is here in the hands of a Surgeon. – He was in the pilot-house of the Monitor when the Merrimac directed a whole broad-side at her, and received his injuries from the minute fragments of shell and the powder, which were driven through the look out holes.

Lieut. Worden was stunned by the concussion and was carried away.  On recovering, he asked, “Have I saved the Minnesota?” the cry was “yes, and whipped the Merrimac!” to which he replied: “Then I don’t care what becomes of me.”  His injuries are not supposed to be dangerous.

The Minnesota was eventually got off and towed under the guns of Fort Monroe.

The loss of 100 killed, given you in a former dispatch, was on board the Cumberland.  And the crew of the Congress is scattered and there are no means of ascertaining her loss at present.

The Naval authorities expect to hear soon that the Merrimac is disabled and that the Monitor is adequate to her in every respect.

There is no longer any doubt that the rebels have evacuated Centreville, Winchester and other important points, indicating a general falling back of their forces.

The telegraph to Fortress Monroe has been fully occupied on Government business all day, which has prevented the associated Press despatches.  There has been no change in the state of affairs at that point.

Every effort will be made to give the names of the killed and wounded at the earliest moment.

FT. MONROE, March 10. – With the assistance of the steamer Spalding, the Minnesota has been got off, and she is now on her way here.  She has received several shots but no serious damage.

The Congress is supposed to have lost over 100, men, including but one officer.  The released crews of the Congress and Cumberland have arrived here.

The Monitor has come up to the expectations that were formed of her, and has proved herself impregnable to heavy shot at close quarters. – She behaved remarkably well on her passage from New York.  She did not seem to be at all disabled.  To her presence may be attributed the safety of the Minnesota and other vessels in port, and final disabling of the Merrimac, which had previously been proof against ever thing.

Capt. Worden of the Monitor, was wounded in the head.  No other accident of any kind occurred to the battery or crew, who have an accurate list of the killed and wounded.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 4

From Fortress Monroe

Rebel account of the Battle.

FORTRESS MONROE, March 11. – Many of the men belonging to the frigate Cumberland went down with her.  It is impossible to obtain a correct list of the killed, wounded and lost.

Lieut. Elbridge, of the Cumberland has been ordered to the command of the Monitor.

A flag of truce was sent to Craney Island to-day.

The rebel officers say the Merrimac (or as they call her the Virginia) was damaged, but nothing serious.  They admit their loss of several killed and wounded.  Capt. Buchanan who commanded, was seriously wounded in Saturday’s fight.  Capt. Johns commanded her on Sunday.

The Norfolk Day book, of yesterday, gives glowing accounts of the affair, and gives the total rebel loss at 9 killed and 12 wounded.  23 prisoners arrived at Norfolk taken from the Congress.

The Day Book also says the Monitor was seriously injured, and that some of our gun boats were sunk, and reports our loss at 600 to 1200.  The Day Book further adds: “Having accomplished the object for which they made the attack, and having no more material to work upon our vessels returned to the Navy Yard awaiting another opportunity.”

In the Rebel Congress yesterday, the operations of Gen. A. S. Johnson [sic] in Tennessee were discussed.

Mr. Atkins said nearly every member of the Tennessee Legislature signed a petition for his removal from that department.

The Beaufort correspondent of the Norfolk Day Book says that the Nashville is now lying at Morehead City.

One hundred vessels are reported at Hatteras supposed to contain reinforcement for General Burnside.

Ocracoka Inlet is said to be blocked up with stone vessels.

Virginia has been called upon for 40,000 additional troops.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3

NEW YORK, April 11 [1862].

The Academy of Music was crowded last night to welcome the returned officers and men of the Cumberland and Congress.  The gathering was one of intense interest.  Addresses were delivered by Mr. Bancroft, Mr. Wm. Evarts, Dr. Hitchcock and H. E. Dodge.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Special to Post.

The naval committee of the Senate this morning agreed to report a bill at once for the appropriation of $15,000,000 for iron-clad vessels of war.

Senator Grimes has just received a dispatch from Assistant War Secretary Fox, at Ft. Monroe, declaring his confident belief that the Monitor, in her next engagement, will sink the Merrimac.  Mr. Fox confirms the reports that the Merrimac was injured in the fight.  He expresses the opinion that another contest between the two vessels is certain, and that the conflict will be terrible.

The official report of Lieut. Pendergrast, of the Congress, addressed to Com. Marston, has been forwarded to the Navy Department.  Lieut. Pendergrast states that owing to the death of the late commanding officer, Jas. B. Smith, it becomes his painful duty to make a report of the part which the U. S. frigate Congress took in the efforts of our vessels at Newport News to repel the attack of the rebel flotilla, on the 8^th inst.  The report says:  “When the Merrimac, with three gunboats, were seen steaming down from Norfolk, and had approached near enough to discover her character, the ship was cleared for action.  At 10 minutes past two the Merrimac opened with her bow gun, with grape passing us on the starboard side.  At a distance of about 300 yards, receiving our broadside, and giving one in return.  After passing the Congress she ran into and sank the Cumberland.  The smaller vessels then attacked us, killing and wounding many of our crew.  Seeing the fate of the Cumberland, we set the jib and top sail, and with the assistance of the gunboat Zouave, ran the vessel ashore.

“At half past two, the Merrimac took a position astern of us at a distance of about 150 yards, and raked us fore and aft with shells, while one of the smaller steamers kept up a fire on our starboard quarter.  In the meantime, the Patrick Henry and Thos. Jefferson, rebel steamers, approached from up the James river, firing with precision and doing us great damage.  Our two stern guns were our only means of defence.  These were soon disabled, one being dismounted and the other having its muzzle knocked away. – The men were knocked away from them with great rapidity, slaughtered by the terrible fire of the enemy.  Lieut. Pendergrast first learned of the death of Lieut. Smith at half past four; the death happened ten minutes previous.

“Seeing that our men were being killed without the prospect of any relief from the Minnesota, which vessel had run ashore in attempting to get up to us from Hampton Roads; not being able to get a single man to bear upon the enemy, and the ship being on fire in several places, on consultation it was deemed proper to haul down colors without further loss of life on our part. – We were soon boarded by an officer of the Merrimac, who said he would take charge of the ship.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 13, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, March 10.

The Minnesota yesterday returned to her usual station, at the entrance to the Roads.  She is again ready for action.  The Monitor came down early this a. m., and was greeted with enthusiastic cheers by the various vessels in the harbor.  Gen. Wool and staff, and assistant Secretary of the navy Fox, went on board this a. m.  She was found not to be damaged in the slightest degree, and is as well prepared as ever for another conflict.  Her performance was perfectly satisfactory to hear officers and men.  They all speak of her in the highest terms of praise.

The gunboat White Hall took fire at two  o’clock this a. m., and was totally destroyed.

The British sloop of war Rinaldina arrived here this a. m.  She is from off Charleston.  No news.

The latest estimate of the number killed on the Congress is 50, including 3 officers – Lieut. Joe Smith commanding, acting master Thomas Moore, and coast pilot William Rhodes.  Capt. Wm. Smith commanded the Congress until recently transferred.  27 are reported wounded, and 40 were taken prisoners, none of them officers.

On board the Cumberland the Rev. Mr. Laerhardt, the Chaplain, was drowned and the master’s mate, Harrington, was killed; but few of the wounded escaped to the shore.  The number of killed and wounded is about 150.

In the White Hall, third assistant engineer Andrew Nesbit, Robert Waugh and Chas. P. O’Connor, seamen were killed and two or three wounded.  On the Dragon, which received a shot in her bow, two men were wounded – no officers.  The William Wheldon received a shot in her boiler, and the Rescue was damaged in her machinery.  The former was towed to Baltimore by the Adelaide.  The Minnesota lost six men killed and seventeen wounded, not including any officers, so far as known.  She is said to have received quite a number of shots.

The Roanoke received but two shots, and little damage was occasioned by them.  No casualty occurred on board except the falling of a man from aloft.

It is generally believed now that the Merrimac must have received serious damage.  The testimony of some that she was considerably tilted on one side as she went behind Sewall’s Point.

The Secretary of the Treasury has awarded the contract for the twenty million legal tender treasury notes equally to the American and the National Bank Note Companies of New York.

The following is copied from an official report of Gen. Wool dated to-day:

“Nothing of importance has occurred to-day.  The chief engineer of the Monitor says that three balls from that vessel passed through the Merrimac.  The monitor suffered very little although she was struck [twenty-three times.]

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 12, 1862, p. 2

From Washington

WASHIGNTON, March 9.

The telegraph lines to Fortress Monroe were built by order of the Secretary of War, under the direction of the general manager of military telegraph lines.  The extension of the government line from Harrington, Del., to Cape Charles, was constructed in three days.  Thirty miles of the submerged cable was manufactured from the channel crossing in twenty days from the date of the order, by S. C. Bishop, of New York City.  The sixteen miles laid before the recent gale was recovered in good condition.

The cable to replace the portion lost off Cape Henry was furnished by Mr. Bishop in five days.  The shore end was landed at Cape Charles at 4 o’clock this (Sunday) p.m., by Mr. W. Harris, assistant manager of government telegraphs, who has had the immediate charge of the work.  Its completion at this opportune moment bringing as the news of the splendid victory of the Moniteur, and the drubbing of the Merrimac has saved the country from great anxiety and expense.  The delay in completing the cable connection has been owning entirely to the continuous boisterous weather.

WASHINGTON, March 10.

Lieut. Wise, commanding the Potomac flotilla, in his official report to the Navy Department, confirms the rumor of the abandonment of the rebel batteries at Cockpit, Shipping and other points along the Potomac, and also the burning of the steamer Page and other rebel craft.

Lieut. Wise arrived this afternoon, bringing dispatches from Fortress Monroe.  But few particulars have yet transpired, as his interview is not yet closed.

The following items are reliable: Capt. Radford was engaged in a court martial, and not on the Cumberland.  Lieut. Smith, son of Com. Smith, was on board the congress, and is killed.

The loss in killed, drowned, wounded and missing, is supposed to be 100.

Lieut. Warder, who handled the Monitor so skillfully, is here in the hands of a surgeon.  He was in the pilot house of the Monitor, when the Merrimac directed a whole broadside at it, and received his injuries from the minute fragments of shells and powder, which were driven through the lookout holes.  He was stunned by the concussion and was carried away.  On recovering he asked, “Have I saved the Minnesota?”  The reply was, “Yes, and whipping the Merrimac.”  To which he answered, “Then I don’t care what becomes of me.”  His injuries are not supposed to be dangerous.  The Minnesota was eventually got off and towed under the guns of Fort Monroe.

The loss of 100 killed given was on board the Cumberland.  The crew of the Congress is scattered, at there are no means of ascertaining her loss at present.

The naval authorities and experts here are confident that the Merrimac is disabled, and that the Monitor is adequate to her in every respect.

There is no longer any doubt that the rebels have evacuated Centerville, Winchester and other important points, indicating a general falling back of their forces.

The telegraph to Fortress Monroe has been fully occupied on government business all day, which has prevented the Associated Press dispatch from coming.  There has been no change in the state of affairs at that point.

Every effort will be made [to] give the names of the killed and wounded at the earliest moment.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 11, 1862, p. 1

Naval Engagement

FORT MONROE, March 9.

The Merrimac was signaled this morning, moving down the channel from Norfolk in front of Sewall’s point battery.  All was excitement about Fort Monroe at this news, and the Cumberland, Congress, Minnesota, St. Lawrence and Roanoke exchanged signals of danger.

The Merrimac had nothing above water but her flag staff, flying the rebel flag, and smoke stack.  She moved slowly, steaming directly for the Cumberland and Congress, lying at the mouth of James river.  The Cumberland opened on her with heavy guns, but the balls glanced off having no effect.  At the same time the rebel iron-clad boats, Yorktown and Jamestown, came down James river, and engaged our frigates on the other side.

Our batteries at Newport News opened on the gunboats to assist the Cumberland and Congress, which, being sailing vessels, were at the mercy of the steamers.  They both rained heavy broadsides on the Merrimac, which was slowly approaching, but all the effect visible was to slightly check her progress.  She then ran against the Cumberland, striking her about midships, literally laying open her side.  She then drew off and fired into the disabled ship and again dashed against her with her iron clad prow, knocked in her side, left her to sink, and started for the Congress, lying a quarter of a mile distant, which was engaging the Yorktown and Jamestown.  She, having no regular crew aboard, and being only partly manned by three companies of the naval brigade, seeing the helplessness of continuing the fight, struck her colors.

The Jamestown then took from her all her officers as prisoners.  Her crew escaped in boats.  The vessel was fired by the rebels.  After this the Merrimac and two gun-boats opened with shot and shell on Newpoart News batteries.  Some accounts say the garrison have been compelled to retreat to the woods, others say the gunboats were obliged to retreat.  The Minnesota did not yet have steam up in time to aid the two frigates.  She was followed by the St. Lawrence, and from necessity engaged the rebel vessel at distance of a mile.  It was the impression at the point that both were considerably damaged, but these statements are based on what could be seen with a glass at a distance of 8 miles.

The Merrimac was also believed to be aground when the boat left.  She lay a mile distant from the Minnesota, making no attempt to molest her.  After the last gun was fired from the Minnesota, persons declare they saw dense volumes of vapor rise from the Merrimac, indicating an explosion of some sort.  It is not known if this is so but it is believed she was aground.  It was the intention of the Minnesota to run to close quarters and avoid the iron prow of the Merrimac, and carry her by boarding.  To this, the Merrimac did not seem inclined to give opportunity.

As the Baltimore boat left Old Point at 8 o’clock, she met the Ericsson steamer, Monitor, going in.

LATER.

FORTRESS MONROE, March 9.

The Monitor arrived at 10 o’clock last night, and immediately went to the protection of the Minnesota, aground below Newport News.  At 7 o’clock to-day the Merrimac, Jamestown, Yorktown and several tugs went towards the Minnesota and opened fire.  The Monitor met them and opened fire, when the enemy’s vessels retired, excepting the Merrimac.  These two iron-clad vessels then fought from 8 o’clock till noon, part of the time touching each other, when the Merrimac retreated.

The Monitor was commanded by Lieut. Worden, and was handled with great skill, assisted by chief engineer Steiners.  The Minnesota was somewhat injured, but kept up a continuous fire.  The Monitor is uninjured, and ready for another attack.

WASHINGTON, March 9.

Gen. McClellan received a dispatch from Gen. Wool, dated this evening, confirming the above, also stating that the Minnesota had got off, and the Merrimac was driven off in a sinking condition, towed by the Jamestown, Yorktown, and other boats towards Norfolk, probably to get her in dry dock.

A dispatch was also received by the Secretary of the Navy, from Assistant Secretary Fox saying, in addition to the above, that the Merrimac retreated, but it is impossible to say whether she was injured or not.

Lieut. Worden, commander of the Monitor, was injured by cement from the pilot house being driven into his eye, but probably not seriously.

WASHINGTON, March 9 – 7 P. M.

By Telegraph from Fort Monroe. – The Ericsson arrived last night or early this morning.  She was attacked by the Merrimac, Jamestown and Yorktown.

After an hour’s contest they were beaten off – the Merrimac in a sinking condition.

FORT MONROE, March 9.

The long expected Confederate steamer Merrimac made her appearance, and yesterday afternoon, with the assistance of two gunboats which came out with her from Norfolk, made an attack upon Newport News and the naval vessels stationed at that place.

The Merrimac was first seen from the ramparts of Fortress Monroe, on her way to Newport News at about a quarter before one o’clock.  Two rebel gunboats followed her.  They all carried a rebel flag at the stern, and had a French flag at the mast head.

The Merrimac had a flag at her bows, which was described by some as a commodore’s blue flag and by others as a black flag.  The side bows and stern of the Merrimac were covered with sloping iron plates extending about two feet below the water line and meeting above like the roof of a house.  On her bows on the water line are two sharp iron points, resembling plows, about six or seven feet apart.  The number of guns is stated at twelve, but she might not have had so many.  At her bows were seen two guns projecting from long elliptical portholes.

The design of the enemy did not become apparent till between one and two, and by that time the Minnesota had got under way to the scene of action.

The Roanoke – the flag ship – being disabled by the breaking of her shaft sometime since, was taken in tow by two gunboats.  About the same time the alarm gun was fired at Fort Monroe and the whole garrison promptly turned out.  The rebel boats steadily pursued their way to Newport News and the Merrimac soon turned the point and was to view from the Fortress.

The first shot was fired from the frigate Cumberland at a little past 2 o’clock.

The Sewall’s Point battery then opened on the Minnesota, which was passing, and the Sawyer gun from the Rip Raps replied with a few shots.  At Sewall’s Point a thick smoke was seen to rise above Newport News Point, indicating that the battery there, as well as the Cumberland and Congress, were engaged.  The details of the action could not be seen from the fort, but a telegraph dispatch was received, announcing that the Cumberland and Merrimac were in close quarters.  After firing two guns at the Cumberland, the Merrimac struck her, her sharp bows making a hole in her at the waterline seven feet in extent.  The Cumberland commenced sinking, when the Merrimac, backing a short distance, ran into her a second time, making another terrible hole in her, causing the water to run in at furious rate.

The Cumberland continued firing till the water entered her port holes, when she careened over slowly, and finally sunk about 3 o’clock.  The Newport News Battery and the guns of the Cumberland fired continuously upon the Merrimac, but no apparent effect was produced upon her.  The Minnesota got aground on the way up, and could afford but little assistance.

Shortly before three o’clock the Yorktown and Jamestown arrived from up the James river.  The former was disabled early in the afternoon, and put in shore for repairs.

After sinking the Cumberland the Merrimac turned her attention to the Congress, and in less than an hour afterwards a white flag was hoisted on the Congress.  A rebel gunboat immediately went alongside, and took officers and marines prisoners.  The seamen were allowed to escape to shore.

The frigate St. Lawrence arrived here during the evening, and without dropping her anchor proceeded up the river and followed the example of the Minnesota and Roanoke, in firing on the battery at Sewall’s Point; but like the rest, her shot fell short.  The gunboat Mystic was also towed up in the afternoon, but at sundown the Roanoke, St. Lawrence and Mystic all returned.

After 4 o’clock the Merrimac continued to throw shells into the camp ant Newport News, while the Jamestown and other rebel gunboats commenced firing on the Minnesota.  The latter replied as vigorously as possible, and the conflict was continued without any apparent effect until dark.

During the evening Congress was set on fire.  At midnight she was blown up, making a terrible explosion.

During the evening the Monitor arrived and at once proceeded to take part in the action.  During the night only occasional shots were fired.  Reinforcements of men and ammunition were sent to Newport News early in the afternoon.  But little serious damage was done and no one was killed.

This morning the conflict was renewed.  Until the presence of the Monitor was known to the Merrimac, the latter was engaged with the Minnesota, and but for the fortunate arrival of the Monitor, the Minnesota might have been lost.  The Monitor and Merrimac engaged each other for two or three hours, at long and short range, without any apparent effect on either.  They went along side each other, and seemed almost to run each other down, but they soon appeared again to renew the conflict.  The Ericsson battery finally succeeded in forcing a long hole in the port ise of the Merrimac, and she retired with the whole rebel fleet to Norfolk.

About 1 o’clock the U. S. gunboat Oregon was struck by the Merrimac in the boiler, and was blown up this morning.

The U. S. gunboat Zouave was also seriously damaged, and was obliged to return.

The principal loss was on board the Cumberland, where it is thought as many as 150 men have been killed or drowned.  But 6 lives were lost on board the Minnesota, according to the statement of one of her officers.  A rebel gunboat was cut in two by the Cumberland yesterday.

The Merrimac is understood to have been under the command of Com. Buchanan, late of the Navy yard.

FORT MONROE, March 10.

With the assistance of the steamer Spaulding, the Minnesota has been got off, and she is now on her way here.  She has received numerous shots, but no serious damage.

The Congress is supposed to have lost over 100 men, including but one officer. – The escaped crews of the Cumberland and the Congress have arrived here.

The Monitor has come up to the expectations that were formed of her, and has proved herself impregnable to heavy shot at close quarters.  She behaved remarkably well on her passage from N. Y., and although the sea covered her decks completely, at times, her speed did not seem to be at all diminished.  To her presence here may be attributed the safety of the Minnesota and other vessels in port, and the final disabling of the Merrimac, which had previously been proof against everything.

Capt. Worden, of the Monitor, was wounded in the head while he was looking out of the wheel house.  No other accident of any kind occurred to the battery ro crew.

We have no accurate list of the killed and wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 11, 1862, p. 1