Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-03-13
6,793 /

Cumberland, ....... Il 726. .-.F42
Minnesota,.........3,2O0 200. ..... 40. 1855
6,79s ia 49,.
Making 6793 tofs and a. properly ll8 guns,
for the Minnesota although rated at only 40, actually
carries A very heavy guns 10 addition to this, she
sunk heavy ting and engaged iron battery of in
defoite power.
From the statement of an eyewitness, learn that
when the Virginia went out the two frigates, the
Congress and Cumberland forming the blockadiDg force
at the mouth OF James River, were lying abreast of
Newports News in happy security, the clothes of the
men being hung out in the rigging to dry. a signal
gun from Fortress Monroe warned them of their dagger
and as the Virginia approached they cleared for action,
the Cumberland deliberately turning her broadSide to
engage the Virginia, while the Congress also opened
On her, bat prepared to make sail to escape under the
batteries at Newports News. Regarding the Cumber-
land as The more formidable antagonist, account Ct
the tremendous calibre of her CUPS, the Virginia
straight at her, striking her with her pow aud at the
same time sending heavy red shot clear through her
at the water line The Cumberland Immediately COM
menced sinking, but her flags were kept flying to the
last and her guns fired at the Virginia. Even when
she had setd so far that only her bow gun could be
worked that fred and she went down game to the
last. She was commanded by Captain Livingston, and
her compliment of men was about three hundred. No
boats to leave her, and none were or could be
rescued.
he Congress was commanded by Captain Smith,
who was not board at the time and the Senior Lieu-
tenant also named Smith having been killed or wounded
the command devolved upon Lieutenant Pendergrast
relation, perhaps son of old Com Pendergrast LET
the name be infamous Whcn the rigate attempted to
escape she ran aground and torn to pieces almost
by the shot OF the Virginia, at whose mercy she lay
White flags were hosted from all parts of her, and Pen
dergras came on board the gun-boa Raleigh to
der himself, vessel and crew. in token OF which he pre-
sented bis sword to Lieutenant Alexander commanding
the Raleigh. While Pendergrast on board the
Raleigh for this oseUsibe purpose the shore batteries
began to play upon the gun boat and Pendegrast want
ed Lieutenant Alexander TO hoist white flag, to- STOP
the fire Of the batteries which be Indignantly refused
Pendergrast then asked leave go to the Congress
saying that if so permitted, be would tx it all, giving
his pledge OF honor to return. But when n t
the fig of truce, boat from the Virginia approached
the Congress, she fire with small from thu
quarter galleries of the Frgate and also rcm the shore
! The Frgate however, had to surrender, ant
wen boarded she presented awful spectact
Of carnage. No doubt good many went Of
in boats in disregard of the formal surrender made b.
their commander Lieutenant Pendergrast, and amon
those who stole away was the chivalrous Leutenan
himself, who had pledged his honor to return, and
witness of that pledge had left his sword with Leuer
ant Alexander, board the Raleigh Our loss in tbes
engagements was four killed and eight wounded on boar
the boat which treacherously fred on by the Pc
soDs en- the quarter gallery of the Congress. Anon
the wounded is Robert Minor second Lieutenant of Ii
}, Virginia Not man belonging to the Virginia ws
killed or wounded save by treachery.
On board the Raleigh Midshipman Hutter is reporte
killed, and the gallant commander, Lieutenant Alel
ander, as wounded, Gs was also Lieutenant Taylor,
volunteer Our informant speaks in the very highe
terms of the skill and gallanty of Lieutenant AIexa
der, who is native Of the Western part of this Stat
The Minnesota thiLkug it right to take part for i
friends in the game, up, but shortly finding it
hot at the very short and in fact familiar distan
: which the Virginia seemed to prefer sheered of a
ruptly and got aground, where she was ridded and
tally damaged by the terrible fire Of the Virginia
e About IL or II O'Clock on Saturday night the co
Il test ceased, but resumed on Sunday morning wi
the Ericsson iron battery which had made her appea
ance in the Roads. She and the Virginia pound
away at forty feet without effect. Finally the Virgin
took short turn and suddenly full butt against Il
side Of her antagonist, which she caused to keel ov
and almost to rise oear out of the water. What dal
age done is not known Enough to send the Eric
son off at full speed to Fortress Monroe pumping
dear life The Virginia then turned her attention
the grounded Minnesota whose destruction she placed
yond doubt she then with her companion vessels pr
ceeded 10 Norfolk. The Confederate vessels viii
took part in aid of the Virginia. were the ships Patr
s. Henry and Jamestown and the gun-boats Raleigh a
o Beaufort and little affair called the Tesrer.
b On Saturday afternoon the Steam-frgate Roanoke
is 3400 tons aud 40 guns and the sailing frigate Sal
l. Lawrence OF 1,726 tons and so guns, started frc
Fortress Monroe apparently with view Of assist
their friends, but became engaged with the Sewel
Point batteries. The Roanoke, which came up und
steam lowered Der smoke-ppe and went ,ay under &C
vass, evidently showing something wrong. The Sal
l. Lawrence was also believed to be damaged. 1h
both returned to Fortress Monroe and did not ventu
e farther up.
h The Minnesota although aground and disabled, st
e kept firing and her flag flying. The carnage on boa
OF her must have been awful She died game. The enen
deserve the credit ofhavng fought bravey and dperat
IT, and ell the dishonor of the occasion attaches to
connects itself Nith the Congress and its dshonor
commander Pendsrgrast and his abettors on Newport
News.