Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-03-12
A NAVAL ENGAGEMENT
NEAR FORT MONROE
A FOUR HOURS FIGHT.
Contest Between the E-icssicu
and Merrimac!
FoRrRss MONROE. March g

AAS NAeII4Inac was Slgnalled this morn
ing moving down the enamel from Nor,
folk in front OF Sewells Point battery.
All was excitement about Fort Monroe
at this news, and the Cumberland. Con
gress, Minnesota, st. Lawrence and Roam
oke exchanged signals of danger.
The Merrlmac had nothing above wa
ter but the flag staff flying the rebel flag,
and smoke stack.
She moved slowly and steamed directly
for the Cumberland and Congress lying at
the mouth of the James River.
The Cumberland opened on her with
heavy guns, but the balls glanced of,
having no effect. At the same time, the
rebel ron-clad gunboats Yorktown and
jamestown came down the James River,
and engaged u trigates on the other
side.
Our batteries at Newport News opened
on the gunboats to assist the Cumberland
and Congress, which, being sailing vessels,
were at the mercy OF the rebel steamers.
They both rained heavy broadsides on the
Merrlmae, which was slowly approaching,
but all the effect visible was to slightly
check her progress.
She then ran against the Cumberland,
striking her about mid-ships, literally law
ing open her sides. She then drew of
and fired into the disabled ship, and again
dashed against her with her iron clad
PROV, and knocking in her side, left her
10 sink, and started for the Congress, lay
ing a quarter OF a mile distant, which was
engaging the Yorktown and jamestown.
She having no regular crew aboard, being
only partly manned by three companies
Of naval brigade, and seeing their hope
lessness in contending, struck colors.
The Jamestown then took from her all
her officers as prisoners. The crew es-
caped in boats. The vessel Was fired by
the rebels. After this the Merrimac and
two gunboats opened with shot and shell
on Newport News batteries.
The same accounts say the garrison was
compelled to retreat. to the woods. 9th
ers say the gunboats were obliged to re
treat. The Minnesota did not get steam
up in time to aid the two frigates. She
was followed by the st. Lawrence, and
from necessity engaged the rebel vessels
at the distance Of a mile.
It was the impression at the Point that
both were considerably damaged, but
these statements are based on what could
be seen with n glass at the distance OF
eight miles. The Merrim9c was also be-
lieved aground. When the Baltimore
boat left she lay q mile distant h2m the
Merrimac, making no attempt to moiSst
her.
After the last gun was fired from the
Minnesota. persons declare theys saw dense
volumes of vapor rise from the Merrimac,
indicating an explosion.
1t was the intention of the Minnesota
to run her to close quarters, avoid the iron
PROV of the Merrimac, and carry her by
boarding. This the Merrimac didn't
seem inclined to give her an opportunity.
As the Baltimore boat left Old Point. at
s o'clock, she met the Ericsson steamer,
Monitor, going in.
Fl. MONROE, March, Q.
The Monitor arrived Mt 10 O'Clock, last
night. She Immediately went to the pro-
lection of the Minnesota, aground below
Newport News.
At I o'clock to-day the Merrimac, York
town, jamestown and several tugs went
towards the Minnesota and opened fire.
The Monitor met them and opened fire,
when the enemy's vessels retired. except
ing the Merrimac. These two iron-clad
vessels fought from s o'clock till noon
part of the time touching each other
The Merrimac retreated.
The Monitor was commanded by Lieut..
Worden, and washandledwi great skill,
assisted by Chief Engineer Sinners.
The Minnesota was somewhat injured,
but kept up a continuous fire. The Mon
itor is uninjured, and ready for another
attack.
WASHINGTON, March s.
General Mcclellan received a dispatch
from Gen. Wool, dated 6 o'clock this even
ing, confirming the above and stating that
the Minnesota had been got of, and that
the Merrimac was driven off in a sinking
condition lowed by the jamestown, York
town and other boats towards Norfolk,
probably to get her in dry dock.
A dispatch was also received by the
Secretary of the Navy, from Assistant
Secretary Fox, saying in addition to the
above, that the Merrimac rmeained but it
is impossible to say whether injured or
not.
Lieut.. Worden, Commander of the
Mopitor was injured by cement from the
pilot house being driven into his eyes,
probably not serious.