The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1862-06-21
The Steamers virginia as,d Hississippi-Fi Find,
ing OF The Court OF Inquiry, Sc
G. 5. NAVY DEPARTMENT, !
Richmond, June IL, ic6I.

c. 5. NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Richmond, June II, le6I
The following is an official copy Of The report Of
the Court of Inquiry which investigated the de
struction of the steamer Virginia, (formerly the
Merrimac )
1.-THE Court of Inquiry, convoked by the order OF
this Department of the Goth ultno, whereof French
Forrest. Captain in the Navy Of the Confederate
States is President and which Court conv ened at
the city of Richmond on the S9t day OF May, let3,
to investigate and inquire INFO the destruction OF
the steamer Virginia, and report the same together
with their opinion the necessity of destroying
her, aud particularly whether any, and what, other
disposition could have been made of the vessel.
have fond - follows:
1.-THE Court having heard the statement read,
submitted by Flag Officer Tatnsll. wus cleared for
deliberation and, after mature consideration,
adopted the following report
"'rhe court, after full and careful examination
and investigation Of the evidence connected with
thu destruction by fire Of the G. $. steamer Nir'
ginia on the morning of April llth let2. near
Craney Island, respectfully repon that it was
effected by the order and under the supervision oi
Flag Officer Tatnall, after her draft had been re-
duced 10 20 feet inches and the representations
of the pilots that in consequence OF recent preva-
lent westerly winds she could not be taken with a
draft of Is feet high Westover, near Harrison
Bar il James river, (whither he designed 10 TAX,
her,) which they previously stated they could do.
l. The destruction Of the Virginia was, in the
opinion Of the court, unnecessary at the time and
H. II being clearly in evidence that Norfolk be-
ing evacuated, and Flag Officer Tatnall having
been instructed to prevent the enemy from ascend
ing James River, the Virginia, with very little
more if any, lessening Of draft, after Tightening
her 10 twenty feet six iuches aft with her iron
sheathing still extending three feet under water,
could have been taken up TO Hog Island in james
River Cwhere the channel is narrow,) and could
theAe have prevented the larger vessels and trans
ports Of the enemy from ascending, the court ia of
opinion that such disposition ought to have been
made of her. and if it should be aScertained that
her provisions could not be replenished when those
on hand exhausted then the proper time
world have arrived to take into consideration the
expedency practicabiiity of striking last blow
at the enemy or destroying her.
In conclusion, the court is OfopiniOn that the
uation of Norfolk, the destruction of the Navy Yard
and other public property, added 70 the hasty
treat OF the military under General Huger, leaving
the batteries unnamed and unprotected, no doubt
cons ired produce in the minds of the officers of
the Virginia, the necessity Of her destruction at the
time, was in their opinion, the only means left of
preventing her from falling into the hands Of the
enemy, and seems to, have precuded the considera-
ton OF the possibility of getting her up James river
TO The point or points indicated"
The Court of Inquiry, of which Capt F. Forrest
is President is hereby dissolved
$. Il. MALLORY, Secretary OF Navy.
THE FINDING OF THE COURT OF INQUIRY IN THE
CASE OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
The court, having carefully considered the evil
dence in the Of the C. S. Mississippi is ii opn