Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-03-12
PETERSBURG. Monday, March 10, s P. N.


PETERSBURG Monday, March 10, ?. d.
To the Eiitor Of TIE Stundird:
The Aerri,uac went aut from Norfolk on Saturday
at two O'Clock, and sunk the Federal ship Cunber-
land burnt the Congress, and sheiled Newport
News until dark The MINES, 'ta came to the aid
of the Cumberland md Congress, and the NeTr'n'ac
got her ashore ana peppered her terribly, until
eleven o'clock, Pm.
The fight was renewed on Sunday, the Patrick
Henry aud jamestown running the blockade at the
mouth Of james River and taking part with the
Nyrr,mac The federal frigate St. Lawrence, and
Ericsson iron propeller came up iron, Old Point and
engaged the AcrruIac.
A terrific battle cnsled until two P NJ. The
Ericsson battered away at the Merrmac at only for
ty Yards distance for one hour when the ErricSon
made plunge at the Merrimacs propeller and rud-
der. The latter evaded the blow and plunged full
tilt at the Ericsson causing the Yankee iron mon
ster to head instantly for Old Point, with all hands
at pumps, in supposed sinking condition.
The Merrimac fred rihcd shots through the large
steamer sent to assist the Minnesota, and blew
her up.
The Merrinac then took the Patrick Henry and
Jamestown in tnw, and proceeded to Norfolk. The
Aerrimac host her rmo,,S iron beak in the plunge
at the Ericsson and damaged her machinery, and is
leaking little.
The battle was altogether terrific resulting in
the destruction of two first class frigates Of the
nv, the supposed loss Of the Minnesota and serious
damage to the Ericsson; Also the death Of nanny
Yankees, and the annihllation Of three gunboats.
Our loss was four killed and ten wounded
among the latter Commodore Buchanan of The Mer
rnac. The Patrick Henry was shot through the
boiler, and four killed and three wounded by scald
ing
The Merrimac is a perfect success. She is a
terror to the Yankees, and will visit them again
soon.
No news from the West.
President Davis has raade call on the Governor
Of Virginia for forty thousand additional troops
Gov. Letcher's proclamation appears in the Rich,
mond papers OF this morning These troops are to
report at Winchester, Williamsburg, Manassas and
Norfolk The enemy is closing Oil US at Winches-
ter and Manassas. =.
P. S. The Petersburg Express and Richmond
fuller accounts OF tue Dattte ueaT view
port News but the above contains the cream of that
brilliant affair.
The Cumberland and Congress, both Of which
destroyed by the Merrimac, or rather the |ir-
gnia, which seems to be her new name were well
armed The Cumberland carried % nine inch guns,
eleven inch, besides rifle pieces. The Congress
was armed with 80 Founders. The Minnesota,
which is believed to be literally ridded, was one Of
the best appointed steamers in the U. S. Navy.
The Ericsson propeller was monster OF her class
she not ouly damaged by the severe butt Of The
Virginia, bu, she put ball through her. Com.
Buchanan and Lieut.. Minor Of the Virginia, were
slightly wounded, and two men were killed at he1
port bow,gun One shot passed through the boiler
of the Patrick Henry, killing twn and wounding
three The jamestown came off unhurt
The loss Of life on the Congress was awful, and
many must have been killed on the Cumberland
Minnesota aud the Propeller.
DEATH OF A MEMBER OF TIE COMMUNICATIVE