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: Thursday, September 17, 1863

Unpleasant rumors of a disagreement between Dahlgren and Gillmore and that the latter had requested to be relieved of his present command. This, I think, must be a mischievous rumor, — perhaps a speculative one.

A new panic is rising respecting the ironclads in England, and some of our sensation journals fan the excitement. It does not surprise me that the New York Times, Raymond's paper, controlled by Thurlow Weed, and all papers influenced by Seward should be alarmed. The latter knows those vessels are to be detained, yet will not come out and state the fact, but is not unwilling to have apprehension excited. It will glorify him if it is said they are detained through protest from our minister. If he does not prompt the Times, he could check its loud apprehensions. I am under restrictions which prevent me from making known facts that would dissipate this alarm. The Evening Post, I am sorry to see, falls in with the Times and its managers, and unwittingly assists those whom it does not admire. Both these journals are importunate, and insist that the Roanoke shall be returned to New York. But the Navy Department is not under newspaper control, though they have the cooperation of distinguished men. To station a steam frigate in New York would involve the necessity of stationing one also in the Delaware, and another at Boston. There would be no limit to the demand for naval defenses, yet it is claimed the coast defenses belong exclusively to the military.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 434-5

Diary of Gideon Welles: Saturday, June 27, 1863

A telegram last night informed me of the death of Admiral Foote. The information of the last few days made it a not unexpected event, yet there was a shock when it came. Foote and myself were schoolboys together at Cheshire Academy under good old Dr. Bronson, and, though three or four years younger than myself, we were pursuing some of the same studies, and there then sprang up an attachment between us that never was broken. His profession interrupted our intimacy, but at long intervals we occasionally met, and the recollection of youthful friendship made these meetings pleasant.

When I was called to take the administration of the Navy Department, he was Executive Officer at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and wrote me of the pleasure my appointment gave him. He soon visited Washington, when I consulted with him and procured in friendly confidence his estimate of various officers. This was before the affair of Sumter, and, like many others, he shortly after expressed a sad disappointment in regard to some he had commended. In fitting out in those early days the expeditions to Fort Sumter and Fort Pickens he exhibited that energy and activity which more fully displayed itself the following autumn and winter in creating and fighting the Mississippi Flotilla. His health became there impaired and his constitution was probably undermined before he took charge of the Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting. Our intercourse here was pleasant. His judgment in the main good, his intentions pure, and his conduct correct, manly, and firm. Towards me he exhibited a deference that was to me, who wished a revival and continuance of the friendly and social intimacy of earlier years, often painful. But the discipline of the sailor would not permit him to do differently, and when I once or twice spoke of it, he insisted it was proper, and said it was a sentiment which he felt even in our schoolday intercourse and friendship.

Shortly after the demonstration of Du Pont at Charleston, when I think Foote's disappointment was greater than my own, he tendered his services for any duty afloat. Some premonition of the disease which ended his life was then upon him, and made him believe more active employment than the Bureau afforded would conduce to his physical benefit. His wife, after he had once or twice alluded to the subject, which she did not favor, gave her consent that he should go wherever ordered, except to the Mississippi. Foote expressed regret that she should have made any exception.

He did not wish to supplant Du Pont, whom he admired, or take any part against that officer. He was not unaware, however, that the Department and the public would turn to him as the successor of the hero of Port Royal, should there be a change of commanders. I was desirous that both he and Dahlgren should go to that squadron, and it was finally so arranged, but Providence has ordered differently. I have been disappointed. Foote had a name and prestige which would have carried him into the place assigned him on the tide of popular favor, whatever might have been the intrigues and assaults on one or both of us from any quarter.

General Wool, Governor Morgan, and Mayor Opdyke make a combined effort to retain the Roanoke at New York, and write me most earnestly on the subject. The idea that New York is in danger is an absurdity, and, with a naval force always at the navy yard and in the harbor, and with forts and military force, is such a remote contingency that the most timid lady need not be, and is not, alarmed. Morgan and Opdyke, Governor and Mayor, have responsibilities that are perhaps excusable, but not General Wool, who feeds on panic and fosters excitement. It is made the duty of the military at all times to defend New York. The Army is sensitive of Navy interference in this specialty, but the Navy will render incidental aid, do all that is necessary; but the Army assumes the guardianship of the ports as the exclusive province of the military, independent of the Navy.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 345-7

Diary of Sergeant George G. Smith: New Haven to Ship Island

Soon after recruiting for the 13th Connecticut Regiment Infantry Volunteers was begun, I entered the recruiting service, and during the winter of 1861—1862 labored for that regiment in that capacity until it was full. Recruiting officers were quite plenty at that time and somehow the war fever among the people had worn away considerably and consequently recruiting was what might be termed slow, and not until March 17th, 1862, was the regiment ready for the seat of war.

 

On that day at ten p. m. we left New Haven, on a steamboat, and the next morning at five o'clock found us on board a large sailing vessel in New York harbor, bound for Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico. I enlisted as a sergeant in Company K and it so happened the first night I was detailed as sergeant of the guard. I don't think the 13th C. V. all belonged to the temperance society. If they did many of them sadly broke their pledges; but perhaps they thought the occasion justified them in doing so. The Colonel ordered one poor fellow “seized” up in the rigging for disorderly conduct. It was distasteful to me, but military orders must be obeyed. The job was new to me but I accomplished it without much trouble, otherwise the night passed off quite peacefully.

 

March 20th, the ship hoisted anchor, moved down and anchored off Sandy Hook, where she lay until the 23rd. On the way everything was new to me, Castle Garden, Governor's Island, Staten Island, etc. Besides the U. S. gunboat Roanoake lay there. During the time tugboats were busy bringing water and other supplies for the voyage.

 

On March 23d a propeller came down with two four-inch guns, put them aboard and towed us out to sea. A U. S. mail steamship outward bound passed us. It was a beautiful sight and one to make one feel proud of his country. Thirty-one vessels, great and small were in sight from the deck of our ship. At about one o'clock p. m. the tug boat left us, but the wind was calm as a summer evening, and remained so until about 3 p. m. when a stiff breeze sprang up and the good ship, City of New York, spread her white wings, and soon the Jersey Heights began to grow dim, and the shades of night coming on, they disappeared entirely from view. We never saw any more of this green earth until we reached an island on the southern coast of Florida. Next day got the guns in position, so that when Old Glory crept up to the masthead in the morning and unfolded to the breeze he was greeted with the cannon's roar, the emblem of freedom and power.

 

On the 25th we entered the Gulf Stream, water about milk warm, sea rough, about in the latitude of Charleston, S. C. In the morning, “Sail ho!” from the masthead. “Where away?” “Three points on the weather bow, sir.” “Steamship, looks like a privateer.” Captain Saulter cracks on more sail. At noon it disappeared to leeward. A gale sprang up in the afternoon and blew tremendously all night.

 

SOURCE: George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 1-3

From Washington

NEW YORK, Feb. 3.

The Tribune’s special stated that letters continue to be received from eminent bankers, favoring the “legal tender bill.”  There is no reason to believe that Gen. Butler was assured before he left Washington that he should have a Major General’s commission as well as the title.  He will land several brigades at a point on the Southern coast not now occupied by Union soldiers.  The capture will be more important than any yet made.

Secretary Stanton insisted that Butler should have what he wanted, although McClellan disapproved of it.

Fort Pulaski is now thoroughly invested.  Gen. Sherman has daily repots of all that is done there, and will take the place when he chooses to attack.

Time’s Dispatch

A movement is making here by members of Congress from the West and Northwest, headed by Frank Blair and Mr. Arnold to have Gen. Sigel made a Major General, and it will probably be successful.

Herald’s Dispatch

The select committee on the defence and fortifications of the great lakes and rivers are prepared to make a report.  They will recommend the erection of such fortifications at Mackinaw as will make it the Gibraltar, as it is nearly the key of our Northwestern frontier.  Their report will provide also for the establishment of a naval depot and National armory upon Lake Michigan, probably at or near Chicago, and that preparations to be immediately made for the accumulation of the necessary arms and munitions to arm the whole of the American vessels engaged in the commerce of the northern lakes.

It is estimated that there are in this trade 1,200 American vessels to 300 British and 15,000 American sailors to 3,000 British.  It is represented by the committee that the majority of the population of the loyal States is west of the Alleghany mountains; that the line of lake coast exceeds the whole length of our Atlantic coast, and that our commerce on the lakes is greater than our whole foreign trade.  To complete the defences and render communications with all parts of the Northwest secure form interruption by a foreign foe, it will also be recommended that a military railroad shall be immediately constructed from the mouth of the Menomonie River or Badenouquet, on Lake Michigan, to Marquette, on Lake Superior, and that a ship canal shall be built from Chicago to the Mississippi River.  It is said that these recommendations have the approval of Gen. McClellan.  The report will probably be made on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2

It is known that a number of Southern secessionists are in Canada, whose business is to collect money from sympathizing friends, and to forward and received dispatches from Europe, and place them in such secret channels that they may reach their ultimate destination.  It is not likely that such proceedings will be much longer continued.

Lieut. Col. Sir P. Windham, late commanding 2d brigade of the Italian army, has been appointed Colonel of the Michigan regiment of Lancers.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3

So vast an army has been martialed in this District, that no proper arrangements have been made for even a decent interment of those who die in our hospitals. – This matter is under consideration, and will receive the immediate attention of Congress.

The result of the examination recently instituted by telegraph interests shows that the number of messages transmitted over the lines during the past year was 2,800,000, yielding a total revenue of $15,220,000.  Should Congress in the next tax bill impose 3 cents on each message, a little over $84,000 would be realized from that source, or 5½ per cent. on the aggregate amount of business.

The following communication has been received at the Navy Department from Capt. John Marston, dated U. S. steamer Roanoke, Hampton Roads, Feb. 1st:

“I have the honor to report to you the arrival, during the past night of the bark Gemsbock, from Beaufort, N. C.  Capt. Coventry informs me that on Tuesday, 28th, he heard heavy firing in the rear of Beaufort, but he has no conjecture from when it proceeded.

“Capt. Coventry also reports that on Thursday, 30th Jan., at 9 o’clock in the morning, while off Roanoke Inlet, he heard heavy firing in the direction of Roanoke Island, which leaves no doubt in my mind that flag officer Goldsborough is at work.”

Representatives of the telegraphic interests now here, have suggested to the committee of ways and means their readiness to pay a tax on their messages and thus contribute to the support of the government.

The chairman of the ways and means committee, Mr. Stevens, will endeavor to bring the House to a vote on the Treasury bill on Thursday.

Representative Hooper’s speech to-day, was listened to with marked attention, it being considered a clear exposition of the views of the Treasury Department on the financial question.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 4, 1862, p. 1

In compliance with the joint resolution of . . .

. . . Congress, operations have been commenced on the United States sloop of war Roanoke at Brooklyn, to raze her and convert her into an iron-clad battery.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 2

From Mexico

NEW YORK, March 17. – Further advices per the Roanoke confirm the statement that the portion of the Spanish troops returned to Cuba and the rest go to Orizba.

Gen. Prim commands the allied force.

The name of the American murdered in Mexico is Addison Gordon.

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

Specials to the New York Papers

(Tribune’s Dispatch.)

NEW YORK, March 15. – The President nominated yesterday for Brigadier General, John Craig, also Robert C. Buchanan to be Inspector General.

The War Department has authorized Gen. Halleck to [supersede] Major General Grant unless he should ask to be relieved, on account of bad conduct at Fort Donelson and elsewhere.

Secretary Fox, who is in Washington, reports the Merrimac badly injured in the two days fight.  She had a hole bored in her hull by the Monitor.  She was leaking very badly when she put back.  The Cumberland’s broadside in the first fight injured her so badly that she could not attack the Monitor or Roanoke, all though they were both aground.  He thinks that the Monitor, now that she is afloat, can handle the Merrimac.  She is slow and unwieldy.  He considers it utterly impossible for the Merrimac to go to sea, as she would immediately founder in an ordinary gale.

The Merrimac’s shot was bunked away by a ball from an 11-inch on the Minnesota.

Capt. [Buchanan] was wounded by a shot from a rifle-man on board the Cumberland, the ball going through his thigh.

Mr. Fox says the crew of the Minnesota as well as that of the Monitor, which to see the Merrimac come out again, but it is not likely that they will be gratified.

Commodore Stevens of the steam battery has obtained permission from the Secretary of War to make use of the 15 inch gun at Fortress Monroe, to be placed upon his steam propeller Nangantuck, to be used in the defence of New York harbor, and to attack the Merrimac, in the event of her appearance.

The Herald’s Washington dispatch says Gen. McClellan reviewed a division of the army in the vicinity of Manassas this p. m., and as he reviewed the lines he was greeted by the most vociferous cheers and enthusiasm.

A man this evening from a village on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, 37 miles from Goodysville came into the camp of the Ira Harris cavalry. – He states that there were forty thousand rebels troops in town when he left and that they continued to come in and hurried on under in impression that the Union army was in pursuit of them.  Gen. Johnson and other rebel officers were dining when he left.

He states that the road from Rappahannock to Manassas is strewed with muskets, knapsacks, haversacks, blankets, and provisions flung away in the retreat and that numbers of soldiers lay fainting and exhausted by the roadside.

The Times’ Washington dispatch says the steamer Achilles, while passing the rebel batteries at Acquia Creek last night, was fired at six times, indicating that there are some rebels yet lounging on the Potomac.  None of the shots took effect.

Gen. Hooker was of opinion at nine o’clock, to-day, that the rebels had not abandoned Fredericksburgh.

(Herald’s Special.)

WASHINGTON, March 17. – The relatives of Capt. Franklin Buchanan, who commanded the rebel iron clad steamer Merrimac at the late fight, have written to his relatives in this city from Baltimore, that he is dead, and his body is to be brought to the old homestead on the Eastern shore of Maryland for interment.

A movement is on foot relative to the impeachment of all those judges who have in any form, shape, or manner aided in the interests of secession.  A member of Congress has now in his desk a resolution, which he will offer at the first opportune moment to instruct the Committee on the Judiciary to inquire into this matter of general impeachment, and report at an early date by bill or otherwise.

(Tribune correspondence.)

Delegates from a great number of business interests are here, suggesting a modification of the tax bill in [its favor].  Changes have already been made in committee in making the tax specific instead of ad valorem.  To newspapers,  making the advertisement tax three instead of five per cent, and on net receipts instead of gross.  Tobacconists, reducing it on leaf and stem, and raising it on the manufactured.  The tax proposed on umbrellas and parasols a change from specific to five per cent. ad valorem.  Omnibuses, entire freedom from the tax on passengers.  It was shown that it would be fatal to them in competition with the horse railroads.  The tax has also been stricken off from the manufactures of flour.  This was done by a delegation of the Rochester millers, who showed that it would be fatal to their business.  All along the line afflicted by the reciprocity treaty, the tax would enable the Canadian millers to undersell us in our own markets.

Nomination of Daniel E. Sickles and Haller Gunn of New Hampshire were made.

Gen. Lockwood’s nomination is suspended.

The limits of the Department to which Gen. Hunter has been appointed, has again been incorrectly stated.  It [may] not be improper to say that it comprises the States of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.  Gen. Sherman will be retained in the Department under Gen. Hunter.  Also. Capt. W. [H. Peck] of the 11th Infantry, formerly of Chicago, Illinois.

To-day Senator Sumner will introduce a bill repealing an act originally passed in 1812, providing that [henceforth] no person by reason of color shall be disqualified from employment in carrying the mails.

Hon. Richard Fanchette, of the 18th N. Y. district, has obtained the signatures of about 150 Senators and Representatives to a memorial to Congress, asking that better rations be served out to the army.

(Special to Post.)

WASHINGTON, March 28 – the Naval committee formally voted in favor of the appropriation sufficient to complete the Stevens’ battery and fifteen million dollars for the construction of iron clad steamers.

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

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

The Rebel Steamers Lately Engaged Near Fortress Monroe

(From the New York Tribune)

THE MERRIMAC.

The Merrimac was originally one of the five war steamers authorized to be constructed by congress during the session of 1844-5.  They were to be first steam sloops of war, and were built as follows.  The Merrimac at Charlestown; Wasbash, Com. Dupont’s flag ship, which did such good service at Port Royal, at Philadelphia; the Minnesota at Washington; the Roanoke at Norfolk, and the Niagara at Brooklyn. – The Minnesota and the Roanoke were lying in Hampton Roads.  These five vessels were equal to any steam war vessels in the world, except iron clad vessels.  The spar deck of the Merrimac was 281 feet long and 52 feet broad in her original condition and she drew 23 feet of water.  She rated about 4,000 tons burden.  Her frame was of [live] oak, filled in solid, and caulked 14 feet out from the kelson.  Forward the ship had 10 live oak breast hooks, fastened through and through with copper under the water and iron above; aft she had seven breast hooks.

The engine was of 800 horse power, with a 2 bladed propeller 14 feet in diameter, so fitted as to be raised to the deck and lowered to its beaming at pleasure, enabling the vessel to be used with our without steam power.  She rated as a 40 gun frigate, but could carry as much as a 90 gun ship of the old style. – She carried 24 9 inch shell guns, with 2 pivot guns of 8 tons, each throwing 100 pound shells, mounted fore and aft.

The Merrimac was the first of the five to be completed, being launched in 1856.  She was soon after put in commission, and continued in the service until April 1861, when she was lying at the Norfolk Navy Yard, in need of some slight repairs.  But for the imbecility of those in charge, she might have been removed before the rebellion actually broke out in Norfolk.  Under the management of Com. Macauley, however, she and the ship of the line Pennsylvania where scuttled and sunk, while at the same time the Navy Yard and its 2,500 cannon were abandoned to the rebels.

Since then the Merrimac has been raised, placed upon the dry dock, and covered with an entire slanting roof or railroad iron.  This additional weight nearly broke her down upon the dry dock, and they found almost as much difficulty in launching her as was found in launching the Great Eastern.  Owing to a mistake in calculation, on being launched she was found to sink four feet deeper than before, so as to take in water.  So she was again taken out, being hogged in the operation and otherwise so strained that the Southern newspapers pronounced her a failure, and it is more than probably that with no opposition she would never dare to go to sea.  She is probably a very good moveable floating battery.  Above the water’s edge she is said to present nothing but her roof of railroad iron, with a smoke stack rising a few feet above it.  From the accounts which we have of the fight, her rate of speed is very moderate.  She mounted 10 100-pound Armstrong guns, which are reported to have mashed through iron mail as thick as that of the Warrior and Black Prince, but which do not appear to have made any impression on the Monitor.

THE YORKTOWN, OR THE PATRICK HENRY

The Yorktown, called by the rebels the Patrick Henry, is a steamer of 1,400 tons, which was built by Wm H. Webb for the line between New York and Richmond, in 1859.  She has two decks and is built of oak, with copper and iron fastenings.  She has two marine beam engines, of 350 horse power, and four water-tight compartments.  Her dimensions are, length 251 feet, breadth 34 feet, depth 18 feet.  She is described by a reporter who went up on the Express, under a flag of truce, on Thursday last, as mounting six rifled guns, one of which is an Armstrong gun, and is being much more formidable than her consort, the Jamestown.

THE JAMESTOWN

The Jamestown was formerly the consort of the Yorktown in the Richmond line.  She was built in 1852 by J. A. Westervelt, and her dimensions are slightly smaller than those of the Yorktown.  She draws but eight feet of water three feet less than the Yorktown.  She has a vertical beam engine, of 260 horse power.  The same reporter saw her also last Thursday, and says that she was worked with double engines, and had a sharp iron prow at her bow projecting some three feet at the water line, intended to run down wooden vessels, and that she carries 2 23 pound rifled cannon, Parrot style, fore and aft, the guns being furnished with telescopic sights.  The vessel looked trim, and the officers wore a profusion of gold lace, while the marines and sailors were smart and active in appearance.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 2

From Washington

Special to the Chicago Tribune.

WASHINGTON, March 23.

The States this evening says it is the impression in naval and military circles, that New Orleans is ours, the mortar fleet having probably attacked the rebel fort Rigolette on the 11^th inst.

Letters from Ship Island confirm the statements.  The fort referred to is Fort Pike commanding one entrance to Lake Ponchartrain.

Gen. Brown has been out in command of the forts in New York harbor.

Gen. Arnold takes his place at Fort Pickens, which illness obliged is abandoning.  He leaves his staff, mustered out of service by recent General Order.

The Roanoke and Vanderbilt are being iron-clad as rapidly as possible.  Ericsson is preparing specifications for a vessel over three hundred feet long.  The smoke stacks on the new vessels will be higher.

Capt. Buchanan’s family still believe him alive.

In spite of a belief in their uselessness the seven millions voted by congress for stone forts are being appropriated for that purpose.

Dr. John Evans of Chicago, Ill., is nominated Governor of Colorado Territory, and Hardin of Indiana, nominated Governor of Utah.

Van Cleve and Asboth were also confirmed Brigadier Generals.  Fremont, at the last moment, concluded not to leave Washington yesterday, his staff not being fully determined upon.

Advices from the Gulf state that the Sickles cut off on the Pensacola is a failure; as a consequence the Pensacola is a failure.

Gen. Wadsworth is authorized to issue passes to the loyal North Carolinians, of whom many desire to reclaim their property from which they have been driven by the rebellion.

For the first time, the President yesterday visited Alexandria.

The Arlington House, hitherto occupied as headquarters, has been converted into a hospital.  The Freedman’s Aid Association, for the assistance of fugitives, has been organized here, with Mr. Hamlin as President.

Lieut. Morris, who fought the Cumberland so gallantly against the Merrimac, has received thanks of Secretary Wells, in a letter which does justice to his heroism.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 25, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, March 21.

SENATE. – The bill to establish a national foundry was taken up.  Mr. Grimes moved that the bill be referred to a special committee of five, together with the bill for an arsenal and armory at the West.

Senate then went into executive session.

HOUSE. – The House passed the bill to secure to pilots, engineers, sailors and crews on gunboats their pensions.

Mr. Stevens, in reply to a question as to how soon Congress would be able to adjourn, replied, it depended on how many objections were made to the tax and other bills, but so far as the committee on ways and means was concerned, would be enabled to adjourn by the first of May, but must work more hours, and perhaps sit evenings.

The House concurred in the Senate’s amendments to the bill for the better regulation of the law of prizes.

The House then went into committee of the whole on the tax bill.  A Joint resolution was passed authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to have the frigate Roanoke iron clad and otherwise altered and improved at the earliest possible day.

The proceedings were confined to the section fixing licenses.  An amendment was adopted taxing the wholesale dealers in liquors, distilled spirits, fermented liquors and wines of all kinds, one hundred dollars for each license.  The committee rose and the house adjourned till Monday.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 22, 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

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

Another Marine Monster

The plating of the steam frigate Roanoke – mate of the defunct Merrimac – was commenced in the Brooklyn Navy Yard on Tuesday.  The plates are four inches thick, and reach some four feet below [the] watermark.  The spar deck and the old bulwarks, down to a level with the gun deck, have been completely cut away.  The turrets will shortly be forthcoming, and the guns are rapidly preparing by the ordnance authorities, but their number and weight must remain a mystery to the public for the present.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

The Galena

The iron-clad sloop-of-war Galena was put into commission at New York on Monday afternoon of last week. She has a picked crew, selected from the crews of the Cumberland, the Congress, and the Roanoke, and her officers are said to be all young, active, and intelligent. Commander John Rodgers, it is stated has been ordered to take command of her. All the qualities and equipments of this ship are of the first order, and we shall, we think, before the lapse of many days, learn of her presence in other waters than those of New York.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 1