The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-03-14
ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
Fosrnps Mosnor. March 8, 1869.

EDITOR UNION AND JOURNAL: ~
At last the moment has arrived, The
Mcrrimac, whose complete failure has 80 often
been chronicled, came down this afternoon.
A long, low, black looking craft, as she ap-
pearcd to us, hugging the other shore as she
steamed up toward Newport News. Soon
we perceived signs Of activity aboard Of the
Minnesota, who quickly donned her white
suit Of canvass and headed in the same direc'
ton, and looking beyond the walls OF the
fort we saw the Roanoke moving slowly to-
ward the same point. All this betokcned
something surely, and accordingly every ele-
waited position was quickly taken possession
Of by eager spectators. As the Minnesota
came within range Of the Sewall's Point
battery, we could discern a cloud OF smoke
slowly rising from along the line Of shore,
and soon the report Of the ordnance reached
our ears, and the ball was opened. Again
and again came that sound across the water,
and We could sec the shells as they burst oil
around the noble ship, but, as far as could
see, she kept on her way unframed, deliver
ing few shots in reply which oil fell short.
The Roanoke was also fred at, when she put
about and went back. ...r.
The Minnesota, after passing q short space
beyond the reach Of the battery, ran aground,
where ut this writing III o'clock at mighty
she still remains, although l understand that
a number Of steamers have gono to her re-
lief. ..- .....
Tho Merrimack opened fire on the Cum
berland with great precision, advancing
steadily all the time, until she arrived with
in thirty yards Of her, when she delivered a
full broadsido upon the Inflated sloop, and
she sunk at once. The whole transaction oc-
cupied but ten minutes. Having thus dis
posed of the sloop Cumberland, she next
turned her attention to the Congress frigate,
which by this time had slipped her cable and
drilted under the guns Of the Newport News
battery, being satisfied OF her inability to
cope with the monster. She bore up under
her stern, and having her entirely at her
mercy, delivered raking fire, which swept
her decks fore and aft, when the Congress
at once hoisted white flag and surrendered.
would not leave you to understand that all
this was dsne without resistanceon our part,
as the mortality on board Of both vessels
would ut once show to tho contrary. i
would not like to speak positively OF the
number Of killed aud wounded, but 1t must
be as high. l think, as 200 on the whole.
The Mcrrimack then commenced Smelling
out the Newport News cmcampment, silen-
cling the guns and driving the troops into the
woods beyond. Tho wounded OF the Con-
gress and Cumberland were carried ashore at
Newport News and there left. When my
informant came away from the scene OF NC
ton they were still there, exposed to the en-
emy's fire.
The person from whom I learned these par
ticulars was on board of the Congress, and
in the action. He describes the action Us
being terrible in the extreme.
Tho Merrimac is thickly plated with rail-
road iron. and presents no target to an adj
vCrsary, us her PORTFOLIOS arc only large
enough to allow the guns to be worked. Her
covering represents an inclined plane. from
which the balls glance of, perfectly innocu-
Gus. In fact, to use the words Of an eye
witness, "you might Us well pelt her with
peanuts"
A great number OF the sailors have arrived
in our camp, where l can assure you they
will want nothing which We can furnish.
have just been informed that the Min
nosota is safe. The frigatc Congress, after
being plundcred, was set on fire, and can
tell you it made my blood boil to see the
flames mounting up towards Heaven.
We have no power able to meet the Mer-
rimac in the Roads, and she has at present
complete control Of the James river. do
not know but she can pass Fortress Monroe
and the armament on the Rip Raps, and sail
triumphantly past the blockade. Any way,
whenever she takes q notion she can shell
Camp Hamilton out. There are reports
aaoat that Magruder will seize this opportu-
nifty to attack us by land. We lie on our
arms tonight with that expectation. That
Camp Hamilton Is untenable in the present
state of affairs there is no doubt.
Ericsson's battery was to have been here
some time since, and | hear that It has ar
rived this evening. Good news, and IL true
you may be sure there will be fun soon. But
have spun this too long already, and will
close by promising you another chapter from
his place IL events which l now prophecy
should occur.
Yours truly, W. H. CLouoH,
Co. B, 10th Reg. Mass. Vols.