The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-03-21
OFFICIAL REPORT or THE LOSS OF
FRlGATE CONGRESS IN THE
MERRJM Al FIGHT

1 81 - q
- AERRIMAC FIGHT. Is a., ss.,
WAsH1NeroN, March 1.-THE official
report Of Lieut.. Pendergrast Of the Con-
gress, addressed to Commodof Marston, has
been forwarded to- the Navy Department.
Lieut.: Pendergrast states that owing to
the death of the late commanding officer,
james b. Smith, it becomes bis painful
duty to make report to you of the part
which the U. s. Frigate Congress took 10
the efforts Of our vessels at Newport News
to repel the attack Of the rebel Aotilla on
the 6th.og tgd .asi" ',siiw Msoi Sa.jiLr
The report says that when the Merrimac
9Th three gunboats were seen steaming
down for Eorf0ld, and had approached near
enough to discover her character, the ship
was cleared for action. DIV -3A=a C." =. Ha
= AT. ten minutes past two the Merrimac
opened with her bow gun, with grape,
passing US on the starboard side at dis.
tauce of about 300 yords, receiving our
broad side and giving one in return after.
Passing the Congress, she ran into and
sunk the Cumberland. The smaller vessel
then attacked Us, killing and wounding ma.
ny of our crew. .. e-.,s.t .3e.
Seeing the fate of the Cumberland, we
set the jib and topsail, and with the assis-
lance OF the gunboat Zouave, ran the vessel
ashore. si.. ts...r.
At half past two the Merrimac took
position astern of Us, at distance of about
$50 yards, and raked us fore and aft with
shells, while one of the smaller steamers
kept up fire on Our starboard quarter.
In the meantime the Patrick Henry and
the Thomas Jefferson, rebel steamers, ap~
preached from up the James river, firing
with precision, and doing US great damage.
Our two stern guns were our only means
of defense. .-.ias- .
These were soon disabled, one being dis
mounted, and the other it's mazzle knocked
away.
The men were knocked away from them
with great rapidity and slaughter by the
terrible fire of the enemy.
Lit utenBnt Pendergrast first learned of
the death of Lieutenant 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 bad run
ashore in attempting to get up to US from
Hampton Roads, not being able to get
single gun to bear upon the enemy, and the
ship being on fire in several places, upon
consultation with Commander William
Smith, we deemed it proper to haul down
our coors without any further loss of life on
our part. .... ... ... ..., .
We were soon boarded by an officer of
the Merrimac who said be would take
charge OF the ship. He left shortly after.
wards and small tow came alongside
whose Captain demanded that we should
surrender and get out of the ship as he in.
tended to burn her Immediately.
A sharp fire with musketry and artillery
was maintained from our troops ashore upon
the tug, having the effect of driving her
off, . .,. -.
The Merrimac again opened upon Us, al
though we had flag peak to show that
we were out of action. 4.
After having fred several shells into US
she left US and engaged the Minnesota and
shore batteries, after which Lieut.. Pender>
CAST states the wounded were taken ashore
in small boats, the ship having been on fire
from the beginning of the action from the
He reports the death of the following
officers Lieut.. Jas. B. Smith, Acting
Master, Thos. Moore and VIM. Rhodes.
LETTER OF SECRETARY FOX.
WASHINGTON, March 1.-THE Naval
Committee of the Senate agreed today to
an amendment Of $250,OO0 for the manu-.
facture Of 2O-inch Dahlgreen guns.
The Committee was brought to this cons
clusion by telegram from Assistant Sec
rotary Fox, at Fortress Monroe, urging that
Dahlgreens and furnaces for their manufac-
ture should be got up at ouce.
Mr.. Fox adds that "the lesson of Sunday
is for 20-irch guns-not moments delay
should occur. l have not thought the Mer.
rimac much injured but We are now better
prepared for ner, by this harbor being
cleared of non combatants. Everybody
here feels the Monitor can sink the Merri.
mac but it will be a terrible struggle.
Considering that the officers, crew and
engineers had horrible passage from New
ork and arrived here only at 10 P. M,
they handled an untried experiment with.
out previous drill. going into action at A.
M, the next day.
"Their conduct is beyond praise, and
went on board" adds Mr.. Fox, "and
thanked them"
GENERAL FREMONT.
WASHINGTON, March l4.--Gen. Fremont
is expected to arrive here to-day. already
a new German regiment is partially raised
in New York to accompany him to East
Tennessee.
REBELS POISON WELLS.
WASHINGTON. March 13.-Two men be.
longing to Wisconsin regiment in General
Smiths division, we've poisoned to-day by
drinking water from well that had been
poisoned by the rebels. 1t is stated that
neither will survive. Their names are sers
geant QUITS, company E, and private Will
liams, company K. Cults served through
the Mexican war. All the men have been
prohibited drinking from old wells and new
ones are being dug.
A Fight and Victory.