The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1862-07-25
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE VIRGINIA

COM. TATNALL ACQUITTED.
The case Of Captain Josiah Tatnsll late CON-
mander of the steamer Virginia, which has occu-
pied the attention of the Naval Court of Inquiry
In this city for some time past has at length been
disposed of in manner gratifying to that officer
and his friends whatever may be the difference Of
rntlic opinion concerning the matter. The first
charge was the Culpable destruction Of armed
steamer OF the Confederate States Navy" the see
ond, Negligence" and the third "Improvident
Conduct" The Court, having maturely consde red
tie evidence adduced came to the conclusion that
the several specifications not proved, and
found that the accused was mot guilty" Of either
charge. We append an extract from the pro-
ceedngs In the case
The Court do further find tia. the accused had
while In command Of the Virginia, and previous to
tie evacuation of Norfolk, thrown down the gage
of battle to the enemys feet in Hampton Reads
and that the enemy had declined to take it up
that the day before Norfolk was evacuated con-
sutation, al the instance of the Secretary OF the
Navy was held by q joint commission Of
Navy and Army officers, TO the best
disposition to be made Of the ship--that
the accused WAS in favor Of passing Fortress Men
roe, and taking the ship into York river or of run
ming down before Savannah with herthat in this he
was oyerrued by the council, who advised that She
should remain on this eide Of Fortress Monroe for
the protection Of Norfolk and Richmond and that
IN accordance with this advice, he proceeded 10
regulate her moyements-that after the evacuation
Of Norfolk. Westover, on James river became the
most suitable position for her to oecupythat while
IN the act Of tightening her for the purpose Of tax
g her up to that point, the pilots for the first time
Declared their inability to take her up even though
her draft should be reduced TO it's minimum of
eighteen feet-that by the evacuation Of Norfolk
and the abandonment OF forts below Westoyer
both banks of the James river below that poir,,
we're virtually given up 10 the enemY-that the sLp
beng thus cut of from Norfolk and Richmond was
deprived Of ali outward sources of supply save
those OF the most precarious and uncer ain charae
ieT--that her store of provisions would not last
Tor more than three weeks-that when Hgbtened
tle w4s made vulnerable TO the attacks of the
enemy, and that after having been lghtened there
were 20 available means Of bringing her down to
her proper draft and fighting trim, and that she
Lad bu! two small boats, each capable of landing
mol more than fifteen or eighteen men at a time
even III smooth water. Such being the facts and
circumstances under the Influence of which the Vir-
gina found herself after the evacuation Of Norfolk
" Was, in the opinion Of the Court, only necessary
ior the enemy to continue to refuse battle as he
lsd done since il was first offered by Captain Tat
nan early in April, and thenceforward TO keep
tlI1ct watch about the Virginia, in order when her
provisions were exhausted, 10 make her his prize
and tie crew his prisonera
Beng thus situated, the only alternative in the
opinion OF the Court was to abandon and bu RI the
mp then and there, which, in the judgment of the
Ioorf' was deliberately and wisely done by order Of
the accused
herefore. the Court do award to the said Cap.
te!h Jpsah Tatnall an honorable acauittal