Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-03-10
FROM FORTRESS MONROE.


The Merrimac was signslied this morning
moving down the channel from Norfolk IN
lrOnt Of SeWelps Point battery.
All was excitement about Fort Monroe
At this news, and the Cumberland, Congress,
Minnesota, St. LsWrenee and Roanoke ex.
changed signals oi danger -l
The Merrimsc bad nothing above water
out the flag staff flying the rebel Gag, AMI
smoke stack.
She moved slowly and stsamed directly for
the Cumberland and Congress lying at the
mouth OF the lame River
The Cumberland opened on her with heavy
guns, but the balls glanced oE, having DO sf-
feoi. At the same time, the rebel iron clad
gunboats yorktown and jamestown came
down the James River, and engaged our nj
gates on the other side.
Our batpries at Newport News opened on
the gunbOais to assist the Cumberland and
Congress, which, being sailing vessels, were
at the mercy of the rebel steamers. They
both rained heavy hroadsides on the Merri
mac, which was slowly approaching, but AL
the effect visible was to slightly check her
progress.
she then ran against the Cumberland,
striking her about mid ships, literally lay.
ing open her sides. She then drew Of and
fired into the disabled shiF, and again dash
ed against her with her iron clad Prov, and
knocking in her side, left her to sink, and
started for the Congress, laying quarter Of q
mile distant, which was engaging the York.
Town and jamestown. She having no reg.
ulsr crew aboard, being only partly manned
by three companies Of naval brigade, and
seeing thsir hopelessness in eoRtending
struck colors.
The Jamestown then took from hes al hel
officers as prisoners. The crew escaped ID
boats. The vessel was ffed by the rebels
After this the 1errimsc and two gunbOst
opened with shot and shell on Newport New
batteries.
The same accounts say the garrison va
compelled 70 retreat to the EaO5s. Other
say the gunboats were obliged TO retreat
The Minnesota did not get steam up in TIM
to aid the two fTigates. She was followed b.
theSt LaWrenee, and from necessity engages
the rebel vessels as the distance of a mile.
It was the impression at the Point ths
both were considerably damaged, bat thesi
statements are based on what could be seel
with glass at the distance Of eight miles
The Merrimac was also believed aground
When the Baltimore boat left she lay = mil
distant from the Nerrimae, making no ct
tempt % molest her.
Alter the last gun was fred from the Min
nesota, persons declare they saw dense vol
| umes OF vapor rise from the Merrimae, ind
eating an explosion.
Il was the intention of the Minnesota
run her 70 close quarters, avoid the iron pro'
| Of the Merrimac, and carry her by boarding
This the Merrimao didn't seem inclined I
give her en- opportunity.
As the Baltimore boat left Old Point at
O'Clock, she met the Ericsson steamer, Monito
going IN.
Fl. MssRoz, March Q.
The Monitor arrived at 10 o'clock la
night. She Immediately went to the Pr
lection Of the Minnesota, aground belo'
Newport News.
) Al 7 O'Clock to-day-the MeFTimae, Fori
town, jamestown and several tugs vent q
. wards the Minnesota and opened Gre. n
Monitor met them and opened Ere, when 4
eoeny's vessels retired, excepting he Nerl
msc. Thee two irOn-c 81 vessels ioaght nc
. 8 O'Clock till noon, pa { OF the time iouchiE
each other. Ths Heuimsc retrezied.
The Monitor was commanded By Lies
: Wordsn, and was handled with gTsat iki
4. / assisted By Chief Engineer Ssiners.
4 The Ninaes0ts was somewhat iniuren. p
il kept np 4 continuous Gre. The Monitor
uninjured, and ready for enotheF attack