The New York herald., 1862-03-11
THE GREAT NAVAL CONFLICT.
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Congress and Cumberland but particularly the latter
ship, which hid from US by the land.
when about seven eight miles from Fortress Mon
the Minnesota grounded We continued 10 stand On,
and whom We came in sight Of tho Cumberland
that she had carssned apparently full of water
Tho enemy who had been joined by two or three
steamers from James river, now devoted himself ex
cusvely 10 the Congress- but she being aground could
bring but Ave guns to bear him. and at ten minutes
before four O'Clock had the modification Of seeing
her haul down her flag continued to stand until
found ourselves in three and half fathoms Of water,
and was on the ground astern. Finding that could
90 no further, ordered OF the tugs to tow
us round, and the Roanoke's
head was pointed down the bay, and found she
aoat again. directed the tugs to 60 the assistance
OF the Minnesota under the hope that with the assist
ance OF the two others which had accompanied her, they
would be able to get her Off but up to the time that1
now write, have not succeeded in doing
Al i've O'Clock the frigate St. lawrence in tow of the
Cambridge passed u.s. and, not long after, she also
grounded but the aid of the Cambridge she was got
aoat again. and, being unable TO render any assistance
70 the Minnesota, came down the harbor.
In passing the batteries at sewas Point both going
and returning the rebels opened fire on u.s. which was
returned from our pivot guns, but the range was
great for hem while the enemy's shot fell far beyond
One shot went through our foresas, cutting away
two of shroud and several shell burst over and
the ship, scattering their fragments on the deck
Between seven and eight O'Clock discovered
that the rebels had set fire to the Con-
gress, and she continued to burn till ono
O'Clock, when she blew up This was a
melancholy satisfaction to me, for she had fallen
the hands Of the enemy it far better to have her
destroyed than she should te against at
future day
It was the impression Of Of my officers that the
rebels hosted the French flag, but heard that tho
Monitor had arrived, and after Lieutenant Com
manding Worden came board, and Immediately or
dered him go up tho Minnesota hoping would be
able to keep OF attack the Minnesota till had got
her afoat again.
1hls morning the Merrmac renewed the attack the
Minnesota, but she found, doubt greatly her sur
prise, new opponent in the Monitor.
The contest has been going during most Of the day
between these two armored vessels and beautifully
has the little Monitor sustained herself showing herself
capable Of great endurance. have not received any
official accounts of the loss of the Congress and Cumber
land, but doubt shall do So when it will be transmit
led to you.
should do injustice to this military department, did
not inform you that every assistance freely ten
dered to us-sending five of their tugs relief of
the Minnesota and offering all the aid in their power
would also beg leave say that Capt. Poor of the
Ordnance Department, kindly volunteered to do duty
temporarily board this ship, and from whom have
received much assistance
am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN MARSTON,
Captain and Senior O(icer