USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.1 > Part 11
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determined to run into her if possible. We found it a very difficult feat to do. Our great length and draft in a comparatively narrow channel, with but little water to spare, made us sluggish in our movements, and hard to steer and turn. When the opportunity pre- sented, all steam was put on; there was not, however, sufficient time to gather full head- way before striking. The blow was given with the broad wooden stem, the iron prow having been lost the day before. The 'Moni- tor' received the blow in such a manner as to weaken its effect, and the damage was to her trifling. Shortly after, an alarming leak in the bows was reported. It, however, did not long continue.
"Whilst contending with the 'Monitor we received the fire of the 'Minnesota,' which we never failed to return whenever our guns could be brought to bear. We set her on fire and did her serious injury, though much less than We tlien supposed. Generally the distance was too great for effective firing. We exploded the boiler of a steamer alongside of her.
"The fight had continued over three hours. To us the 'Monitor' appeared unbarmed. We were, therefore, surprised to see her run off into shoal water where our great draft would not permit us to follow, and where our shell could not reach her. The loss of our prow and anchor, and consumption of coal, water. etc., had lightened us so that the lower part of the forward end of the shield was awash. We for some time awaited the return of the 'Mon- itor' to the Roads. After consultation it was decided that we should proceed to the Navy Yard. in order that the vessel should be brought down in the water and completed. The pilots said if we did not then leave that we could not pass the bar until noon of the next day. We therefore. at 12:00 M. quit the Roads and stood for Norfolk. Had there been any sign of the 'Monitor's' willingness to re- new the contest we would have remained to fight her. We left hier in the shoal water, to which she had withdrawn, and which she did
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not leave until after we had crossed the bar on our way to Norfolk.
"None were killed or wounded in the fight with the 'Monitor.' The only damage she did was to the armor. She fired 41 shots. We were able to receive most of them obliquely. The effect of the shot striking obliquely on the shield was to break all the iron and some- times to displace several feet of the outside course; the wooden backing would not be broken through. . When a shot struck directly at right angles the wood would also be broken through, but not displaced. Generally tlie shot were much scattered; in three in- stances two or more struck near the same place, in each case causing more of the iron to be displaced and the wood to bulge inside. A few struck near the water-line. The shield was never pierced, though it was evident that two shots striking in the same place would have made a large hole through armor, wood- en backing and everything. The ship was docked; a prow of steel and wrought iron put on and a course of two-inch iron on the hull below the roof, extending in length ISo feet. Want of time and material prevented its com- pletion. The damage to the armor was re- paired ; wrought iron port-shutters were fitted. etc. The rifle-guns were supplied with bolts of wrought and chilled iron. The ship was brought a foot deeper in the water, making her 23 feet."
The combat between the "Virginia" and- "Monitor" was one of the grandest and most thrilling sights I ever witnessed. I saw it from the beach in front of our battery on Sewell's Point, where both vessels were in full view. The day was clear and bright with just enough wind to make wavelets on the Roads move toward us in regular aud measured suc- cession. I could see the puff of smoke from the port-holes of the vessel. hear the boom of the cannon. then watch the solid shot which had glanced from the iron shield of the ship. richocheting over the surface of the water and sinking as its force was spent near our shore.
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Grand! sublime! magnificent! Awful! was the wrestle of these terrible iron monsters in deadly conflict, like some fabled leviathans out of the broad, deep seas. There. was the world's most radical change in naval warfare --- there, was the passing of wooden men-of- war-there. was the greatest event in all the history of marine engagements. It had no parallel in all the annals of time. But one vear before was published "Ordnance and Naval Gunnery." by Lieut. E. Simpson, U. S. N., designed as a text-book for the United States Naval Academy, which said: "Iron vessels are utterly unfit for war," and giving the comments of Sir Howard Douglass on the French ship "La Gloire," and the British "Warrior" summed up that, "The opinion of this great authority is, that there is not much to be feared from these iron-clad monsters." Alas! for the theories of these distinguished1 writers; here they were buried in the waters of Hampton Roads in the bright sunlight of a Sabbath day without hope of resurrection. A brilliant and magnificent victory for the "Virginia"" The North was overwhelmel with consternation and dread while the South was jubilant over the results of the great bat- tle. President Davis reported to the Confed- erate Congress on the roth of April this brill- iant triumph.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. April 10. 1862. To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Confederate States:
I herewith transmit to Congress a communication from the Secretary of the Navy, covering a detailed report of Flag-Officer Buchanan of the brilliant tri- umph of his squadron over the vastly superior forces of the enemy in Hampton Roads, March & and 9 last. JEFFERSON DAVIS.
COMBAT OF THE VIRGINIA AND MONITOR.
NAVY DEPARTMENT. RICHMOND, VA., April 7, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith copy of the detailed report of l'lag-Officer Buchanan of the : brilliant triumph of his squadron over the vastly su - perior forees of the enemy in Hampton Roads, on March 8 and 9 last. a brief report by Lieutenant Jones of the battle of the 8th having been previously made.
The conduct of the officers and men of the squad- ron in this eontest reflects unfading honor upon them- selves and upon the navy. The report will be read with deep interest, and its details will not fail to arouse the ardor and nerve the arm of our gallant seamen.
It will be remembered that the "Virginia" was a novelty in naval . architecture, wholly unlike any ship that ever floated; that her heaviest guns were equal novelties in ordnance; that her motive power and her obedience to her helm were untried: and her officers and crew strangers comparatively to the ship and each other, and yet, under all these disadvantages, the dash- ing eourage and consummate professional ability of Flag-Officer Buchanan and his associates achieved the most remarkable victory which naval annals record.
When the flag-officer was disabled the command of the "Virginia" devolved upon her executive and ord- nanee officer. Lieut. Catesby Ap. R. Jones, and the cool and masterly manner in which he fought the ship in her encounter with the iron-clad "Monitor" justified the high estimate which the country places upon his pro- fessional merit. To his experience, skill and untiring industry as her ordnance and executive officer the ter- rible effect of her fire was greatly due. Her battery was determined in accordance with his suggestions, and in all investigations and tests which resulted in its thor- ough efficiency he was zealously engaged.
The terms of commendation used by the flag- officer in characterizing the conduet of his officers and men meet the cordial indorsement of the Department. and the concurrent testimony of thousands who wit- nessed the engagement places his own conduct above all praise.
With much respect, your obedient servant. S. R. MALLORY, Seeretary of the Navy.
TO THE PRESIDENT. .
REPORT OF FLAG-OFFICER FRANKLIN BUCHANAN, C. S. NAVY.
NAVAL HOSPITAL. NORFOLK, VA., March 27. 1862. SIR: Having been confined to my bed in this building since the 9th instant, in consequence of a wound received in the action of the previous day. I have not had it in my power at an earlier date to pre- pare the official report, which I now have the honor to submit. of the proceedings on the 8th and 9th in- stant of the James River Squadron, under my com- mand. composed of the following-named vessels: Steamer "Virginia," flag-ship. Io guns; steamer "Pat- rick Henry." Commander John R. Tucker, 12 guns : steamer "Jamestown," Lientenant-Commanding J. N. Barney, two guns; and gunboats "Teaser." Lieutenant- Commanding W. A. Webb: "Beaufort." Lieutenant- Commanding W. H. Parker: and "Raleigh." Lieuten- ant-Commanding J. W. Alexander, each one gun. Total. 27 guns.
On the 8th instant. at Ir A. M .. the "Virginia" left the Navy Yard (Norfolk), accompanied by the "Raleigh" and "Beaufort." and proceeded to Newport News. to engage the enemy's, frigates "Cumberland" and "Congress," gunboats and batteries. When within
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less than a miile of the "Cumberland." the "Virginia" commenced the engagement with that ship with her bow-gun. and the action soon became general, the "Cumberland." "Congress." gunboats and shore bat- teries concentrating upou us their heavy fire, which was returned with great spirit and determination. The "Virginia" stood rapidly on toward the "Cumberland." which ship I had determined to sink with our prow if possible. In about 15 minutes after the action com- menced we ran into her on her starboard bow. The erash below the water was distinctly heard. and she commenced sinking, gallantly fighting her guns as long as they were above water. She went down with her colors flying.
During this time the shore batteries, "Congress" and gunboats kept up their heavy concentrated fire upon us, doing tis some injury. Our guns, however, were not idle ; their fire was very destructive to the shore batteries and vessels, and we were gallantly sustained by the rest of the squadron.
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Just after the "Cumberland" sunk, that gallant offieer. Commander John R. Tucker, was seen stand- ing down the James River under full steam, , accom. panied by the ."Jamestown" and the "Teaser." They came nobly into action and were soon exposed to the heavy fire of the shore batteries. Their escape was miraculous. as they were under a galling fire of solid shot, shell. grape. and canister. a number of which passed through the vessels without doing any serious injury except to the "Patrick Henry" through whose boiler a shot passed, scalding to death four persons and wounding others. Lieutenant-Commanding Barney promptly obeyed a signal to tow her out of the action. As soon as damages were repaired the "Patrick Henry" returned. to her station and continued to perform good service during the remainder of that day and the fol- lowing.
Having sunk the "Cumberland." I turned our at- tention to the "Congress." We were some time in getting our proper position in consequence of the shoal- ness of the water and the great difficulty of managing the ship when in or near the mud. To succeed in my object I was obliged to run the ship a short distance above the batteries on the James River in order to wind her. During all the time her keel was in the mud; of course she moved but slowly. Thus we were subjected twice to the heavy guns of all the batteries "in passing up and down the river, but it could not be avoided. We silenced several of the batteries and did much injury on shore. A large transport steamer alongside the wharf was blown up, one schooner sunk and another captured and sent to Norfolk. The loss of life on shore we have no means of ascertaining.
While the "Virginia" was thus engaged in getting her position for attacking the "Congress." the prison- ers state it was believed on board that ship that we had hauled off. The men left their guns and gave three cheers. They were soon sadly undeceived, for a few minutes after we opened upon her again, she having run on shore in shoal water. The earnage, havoc and dismay caused by our fire compelled them to haul down their colors and to hoist a white flag at their gaff and half-mast and another at their main. .
The crew instantly took to their boats and landed. Our fire immediately eeased, and a signal was made for the "Beaufort" to come within hail. I then or- dered Lieutenant-Commanding Parker to take pos- session of the "Congress," secure the officers as pris- oners, allow the crew to land. and burn the ship. He ran alongside, received her flag and surrender from Commander William Smith and Lieutenant Pendergast. with the side-arms of those officers. They delivered themselves as prisoners of war on board the "Beau- fort," and " afterward were perinitted at their own re- quest to return to the "Congress" to assist in moving the wounded to the "Beaufort." They never returned. and I submit to the decision of the Department whether they are not our prisoners. While the "Beau- fort" and "Raleigh" were alongside the "Congress." and the surrender of that vessel had been received from the commander, she having two white flag's flying. hoisted by our own people, a heavy fire was opened upon them from the shore and from the "Congress," killing some valuable officers and men. Under this fire the steamers left the "Congress," but as I was not informed that any injury had been sustained by those vessels at that time. Lieutenant-Commanding Parker having failed to report to me, I took it for granted that my order to him to burn her had been executed. and waited some minutes to see the smoke ascending from her hatches. During this delay we were still subject to the heavy fire from the batteries, which was always promptly returned.
The steam frigates "Minnesota" and "Roanoke" and the sailing frigate "St. Lawrence" had previously been reported as coming from Old Point. but as I was determined that the "Congress" should not again fall into the hands of the enemy. I remarked to that gallant young officer. Flag-Lieutenant Minor. "That ship must be burned." He promptly . volunteered to take a boat and burn her, and the "Teaser." Lieutenant- Commanding Webb, was ordered to cover the boat. Lieutenant Minor had scarcely reached within 50 yards of the "Congress" when a deadly fire was opened upon him, wounding him severely and several of his men. On witnessing this vile treachery. I instantly recalled the boat and ordered the "Congress" destroyed by hot shot and incendiary shell. About this period I was disabled, and transferred the command of the ship to that gallant, intelligent officer, Lieut. Catesby Jones. with orders to fight her as long as the men could stand to their guns.
The ships from Old Point opened their fire upon us. The "Minnesota" grounded in the north channel. where, unfortunately, the shoalness of the channel pre- vented our near approach. We continued, however. to fire upon her until the pilots declared it was no longer safe to remain in that position. and we accordingly re- turned by the south channel ( the Middle Ground being necessarily between the "Virginia" and "Minnesota." and the. "St. Lawrence" and the "Roanoke" having re- treated under the guns of Old Point), and again had an opportunity of opening upon the "Minnesota." re- ceiving her heavy fire in return, and shortly afterwar 1 upon the "St. Lawrence," from which vessel were ty ceived several broadsides.
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It had by this time become dark and we soon anchored off Sewell's Point. The rest of the squad- ron followed our movements, with the exception of the "Beaufort." Lieutenant-Commanding Parker, who pro- cceded to Norfolk with the wounded and prisoners as soon as he had left the "Congress," without report- ing to me. The "Congress," having been set on fire by our hot shot and incendiary shell. continued to burn: her loaded guns being successively discharged as the flames reached thenr, until a few minutes past midnight, when her magazine exploded with a tre- mendous report. '
The facts above stated. as having occurred after I had placed the ship in charge of Lieutenant Joncs, were reported to'me by that officer.
At an early hour next morning (the oth), upon the urgent solicitations of the surgeons. Lieutenant Minor and myself were very reluctantly taken on shore. The accommodations for the proper treatment of the wounded persons on board the "Virginia" are exceed- ingly limited. Lieutenant Minor and myself occupying the only space that could be used for that purpose, which was in my cabin. I therefore consented to our being landed on Sewell's Point, thinking that the room on board vacated by us could be used for those who might be wounded in the renewal of the action. In the course of the day Lieutenant Minor and myself were sent in a steamer to a hospital at Norfolk.
The following is an extract from the report of Lieutenant Jones of the proceedings of the "Virginia" on the 9th :
"At daylight on the 9th we saw the 'Minnesota' was still ashore. and that there was an iron battery ncar her. At 8 o'clock we ran down to engage them (having previously sent the killed and wounded out of the ship ), firing at the 'Minnesota' and occasionally at the iron battery. The pilots' did not place us as near . as they expected. The great length and draft of the ship rendered it exceedingly difficult to work her. We ran ashore about a mile from the frigate, and were backing 15 minutes before we got off. We continued to fire. at the 'Minnesota,' and blew up a steamer alongside of her, and we also engaged the 'Monitor,' and sometimes at very close quarters. We once suc- ceeded in running into her, and twice silenced her fire. The pilots declaring that we could get no nearer the "Minnesota.' and believing her to be entirely disabled. and the 'Monitor' having run into shoal water, which prevented our doing her any further injury, we ceased firing at 12 (o'clock) and proceeded to Norfolk.
"Our loss is two killed and 19 wounded. The stem is twisted and the ship leaks. We have lost the prow, starboard anchor and all the boats. The armor is somewhat damaged ; the steam-pipe and smoke- stack both riddled; the muzzles of two of the guns shot away. It was not easy to keep a flag flying. The flag-staffs were repeatedly shot away. The colors were hoisted to the smoke-stack and several times cut down from it.
"The bearing of the men was all that could be desired; the enthusiasm could scarcely be restrained. During the action they cheered again and again. Their coolness and skill were the most remarkable from the
fact that the great majority of them were under fire for the first time. They were strangers to each other and to the officers, and had but a few days' instruction in the management of the great guns. To the skill and example of the officers is this result in no small degree attributable."
Having thus given a full report of the actions on the 8th and gth, I feel it due to the gallant officers who so nobly sustained the honor of the flag and country on those days. to express my appreciation of their conduct.
To that brave and intelligent officer, Lieut. Catesby Jones, the executive and ordnance officer of the "Vir- ginia," I am greatly indebted for the success achieved. His constant attention to his duties in the equipment of the ship; his intelligence in the instruction of ordnance to the crew, as proved by the accuracy and effect of their fire, some of the guns having been personally directed : by him : his tact and management in the government of raw recruits; his general knowledge of the executive duties of a man-of-war, together with his high-toned bearing. were all eminently conspicuous, and had their fruits in the admirable efficiency of the "Virginia." If conduct such as his (and I do not know that I have used adequate language in describing it) entitles an officer to promotion, I see in the case of Lieutenant Jones one in all respects worthy of it. As a flag-officer I am entitled to some one to perform the duties of flag-captain, and I should be proud to have Lieutenant Jones ordered to the "Virgin'a" as lieutenant-command- ant: if it be not the intention of the Department to bestow upon him a higher rank.
Lieutenant Simms fully sustained his well-earned reputation. He fired the first gun. and when the com- mand devolved upon Lieutenant Jones in consequence of my disability he was ordered to perform the duties of executive officer. Lieutenant Jones has expressed to me his satisfaction in having had the services of so experienced, energetic and zealous an officer.
Lieutenant Davidson fought his guns with great precision. The muzzle of one of them was soon shot away. He continued, however, to fire upon it, though the woodwork around the port became ignited at each discharge. . His buoyant and cheerful bearing and voice were contagious and inspiring.
Lieutenant Wood handled his pivot-gun admirably, and the executive officer testifies to his valuable sug- gestions during the action. Hs zeal and industry in drilling the crew contributed materially to our success.
Lieutenant Eggleston served his hot shot and shell with judgment and effect, and his bearing was delib- erate, and exerted a happy influence on his division. Lieutenant Butt fought his gun with activity and during the action was gay and smiling.
The Marine Corps was well represented by Cap- tain Thom, whose tranquil mien gave evidence that the hottest fire was no novelty to him. One of his guns was served effectively and creditably by a detachinent of the United Artillery of Norfolk under the command of Captain Kevill. The muzzle of their gun was struck by a shell from the enemy, which broke off a piece of the gun, but they continued to fire it as if it was un- injured.
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Midshipmen Foute, Marmaduke, Littlepage, Craig and Long rendered valuable services. Their conduct would have been creditable to older heads. and gave great promise of future usefulness. Midshipman Mar- maduke, though receiving several painful wounds early in the action, manfully fought his gun until the close. He is now at the hospital.
Paymaster Semple volunteered for any service and was assigned to the command of the powder division. an important and complicated duty, which could not have been better .performed
Surgeon Phillips and Assistant Surgeon Garnett were prompt and attentive in the discharge of their duties. Their kind and considerate care of the wounded, and skill and ability displayed in the treat- ment, won for them the esteem and gratitude of all who came under their charge, and justly entitled them to the confidence of the officers and crew.
I beg leave to call the attention of the Department to the case of Dr. Garnett. He stands deservedly high in his profession, is the head of the lists of assistant surgeons, and, there being a vacancy in consequence of the recent death of Surgeon Blacknall. I should be much gratified if Dr. Garnett could be promoted to it.
The engines and machinery, upon which so much depended, performed much better than expected. This is due to the intelligence, experience and coolness of Acting Chief Engineer Ramsey. His efforts were ably seconded by his assistants. Tynan. Campbell. Herring. Tack and White. A: Mr. Ramsey is ouly acting chief engineer. I respectfully recommend his promotion to the rank of chief, and would also ask that Second As- sistant Engineer Campbell may be promoted to the first assistant. he having performed the duties of that grade during the engagement.
The forward officers-Boatswain Hasker. Gunner Oliver and Carpenter Lindsay-discharged well all the duties required of them. The boatswain had charge of a gun and fought it well. The gunner was inde- fatigable in his efforts. His experience and . exertions as a gunner have contributed very materially to the efficiency of the battery. Acting Master Parrish was assisted in piloting the ship by Pilots Wright, Will- ! iams, Clarke and Cunningham. They were necessarily mittch exposed.
" It is now due that I should mention my personal staff. To that gallant young officer. Flag-Lieutenant Minor, I am much indebted for his promptness in the execution of signals: for renewing the flag-staffs when shot away, being thereby greatly exposed; for his watchfulness in keeping the Confederate flag up: his alacrity in conveying my orders to the different divis- ions; and for his general cool and gallant bearing. My aid. Acting Midshipman Roots, of the Navy : Lieu- tenant Forrest. of the Army, who served as a volunteer aid, and my clerk, Arthur Sinclair, Jr., are entitled to my thanks for the activity with which my orders were conveyed to the different parts of the ship. During the hottest of the fight they were always at their posts giving evidence of their coolness.
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Having referred to the good conduct of the offi- cers, in the flag-ship immediately under my notice,
I come now to a no less pleasing task when I attempt to mark my approbation of the bearing of those sery- ing in the other vessels of the squadron.
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