Evening star., 1862-03-11

Official Dispatch Of Capt. Marstsn, Of the
Flag ship Rsaneke, relative 70 the Naval
Engagement In Ham ptsn Reads.
U. @. STKAMKR ROANOKE,
To Ho. Gs1sc. W.ias, sserssary 1 Macy % .o'z'
Sir have the honor to inform Won that yes-
terday, at O'Clock, one Of the look -out vessels
reported by signal that the enemy was coming
E l. Immediately ordered the Minnesota to get
under way, and as soon as the two tugs appoint
ed 70 sow this ship came slongside shipped
The Merrimac was soon discovered passing out
by Sewalrs Point, standing up towards Newport
News, accompanied by several small gunboats
Every e1ertion was made by us to get all the speed
on the Roanoke that the two tugs wexe capable
Of giving her, but in consequence Of our bad
steerage we did not get ahead a. rapidly as we
desired to do. The Merrinac went up and i'm
land, particularly the latter ship, which was hid
from Us by the land. When aboutseven or eip bit
miles from Fortress Monroe the Minnesota ground
eo..-Me, continued to stand on, and when we
camein Sig ht Of the CuG1berlaad we saw that she
had careened over, apparently full Of water q
The enemy, who had been joined by two or
three steamers from James River, now devoted
themselves exclusively to the Congress, bat she
being aground, could bring but Eve guns to bear
on them, and at ten minutes before four O'Clock
her flag. ....- =
L continued to stand in till we found ourselves
In three and half fathoms water, and was on
the ground astern. Finding that we could 90 no
further, l ordered one Of the tugs to tow us
pointed down the bay, found she was afoat
again directed tie tugs to 60 to the assistance
OF the Minnesota, under the hope that, with the
two others which had accompanied her, they
that l now write they have not succeeded In
doing %. -
AZ S O'Clock the frigate 81. Lawrence, in tow
q sns also and not after
bridge she was got aloat again, and, being un-
able to render any assistance to the Minnesota,
came down the harbor.
In passing the batteries at Sewall's Point, both
going and returning, the rebels opened their fire
on us, which was returned from our pivot guns,
but the range was too great for them, while the
enemy's shot fell beyond us. One shot went
through our foresail, cutting away two OF our
shrouds, and several shells burst o-er and near
the ship, scattering their fragments on the deck
Between seven and eight O'Clock we discovered
that the rebels had set fire to the Congress, and
she continued to burn until O'Clock, when she
blew up. This was melancholy sat!naction to
me, for, IS she had fallen into the hands Of the
enemy, Ii was far better to have her DESTROYED
than that she should be employed against Us at
1t was the impression ofsome of my officers that
the rebels hoisted the French nag, but heard
that the Monitor had arrived and soon after
and Immediately ordered him to 20 up TO the
Minnesota, hoping she would be able to keep of
an attack on the Minnesota till we. had got her
afoat again. :
This morning the Merrimac renewed the at
tack on the Minnesota, but she found, no doubt
greatly to her surprise, q new opponent in the
Monitef., =
The contest has been going on most of the day
between these two armored vessels, and most
beautifully has the little Monitor sustained
herself, showing herself capable Of great endur..
ance.
have not received any official accounts of the
loss OF the Congress and Cumberland, but no
doubt shall do 30, when 1t will be transmitted to
you.
should do injustice to this Military Depart
ment ala not inform you that every assistance
was freely rendered to US, sending 1--we Of Il cir
tugs 70 the relief Of the Minnesota, and offering
all the aid In their power.
| would also beg leave to say that Captain Poor,
Of the ordnance department, Kindly volunteered
20 do duty temporarily on board this ship and
nom whom have received much assistance
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN MARsroN,
Captain and Senior Officer