Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1862-03-14

greater than was at first stated. In addition
to sinking the Cumberland, capturing and
burning the Congress, and disabling the Min
nesota, it is stated by passengers who came
up in the steamer, that she either sank or dis
abled several transport vessels, killed num-
Der of the soldiers at Newport News, and de-
strcyed an immense quantity of suffers stores
at that point. There was intense excitement
at Fortress Monroe during the whole of the
engagement, and crowds of fugitives came
pouring into Old Point Comfort from Newport
News, all anxious to escape the danger that
seemed so imminent. We publish this MORN
ing the account furnished by the Associated
Press, which adds to the list of casualties the
loss of the Federal gunboat Oregon--struck
and blown up by the Merrimac--and reports
that the gunboat zouave, was also seriously
injured. 1t is likewise stated that one of the
Confederate gunboats was cut in two by the
sloop of war Cumberland, and that the Mon
itor in her encounter with the Merrimac, bat
tered large hole in the side of the latter
which may possibly be true, but which is
certainly not confirmed by Lieut. Worden,
who stated whilst here that he was not con-
scious that the Merrimac had received any
injury at all. Secretary Fox telegraphed to
Washington to the same effect, and passengers
by the boat assert that she fred the last shot
and steamed away as easily as il she had been
wholly untouched, Notwithstanding the severe
struggle through which she had passed. The
loss in killed and drowned of the Federal ma
rines and seamen is variously estimated at
from one hundred and fifty to two hundred
and fifty-the number taken prisoners is not
stated. The general opinion is, but whether
true or not We cannot say, that the MerrImac
ran short ofammunition and retired to take in
fresh supply.
Was the Merrimac Injured7
A. B. Smith, pilot on board the Cumberland
at the time Of her battle with the Merrimac,
has furnished a statement TO the New York
World, from which we quote the following
The Monitor fred one hundred and seventy
eight-pound cast-iron shot. The wrought iron
shot were Not used, because their great weight
much more liable to burst The Merimac fred
about forty shots on the Monitor, which re-
piled as rapidly as possible, but SO far as 1t is
known, neither vessel is damaged. Those on
board the Monitor say the balls ratified and
rang upon both vessels, and seemed to bound
of harmless. The Merrimac is probably not
injured, at least more than the starting of
plate or so Of her iron covering; and her ma
chinery being uninjured, she is probably fit to
come out again. It is impossible to keep the
Merrimac from coming out. She can sail three
knots an hour faster than the Monitor. From
her eyolutions should Judge she can 20 at
the rate Of eight or nine knots per hour. II Is
impossible to board the Merrimac. Should
she come out again she will be obliged to pass
within range Of the Union gun at the Rip Raps,
and shot from it might, perhaps, crush her
sides, but II is very difficult to manage so heavy
piece of artillery, and the Union gun, in all
probability, might be fred fifty times without
touching her. do not think the Mermac is
calculated to carry much coal, and that might
have been a reason for her retiring from The
contest