The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1904-01-06

realization Of the Commoncr'B good
sense idea. Tie idea, it will be re-
mcInbcrcd, was that the government
should purchase one million bales of
cotton at lOc a pound, &c a pound
above the thon market price, and ap-
iiy the proceeds Of the sale abroad as
above indicated. Had this business
like proposition been assentcd to the
winter of 1862 would have seen every
Southern port open.
That, however, was not to be. God,
in His infinite wisdom, had another
plan by which our political salvation
should be worked out.
Early in March, the Mcrri,nac trans
formed into the Virginia, received the
finishing touches Of mechanic and en-
gincer. and on the Sth steamed down
the Elizabeth river toward Newport
News, where two Federal warships-
the Congress carrying 80 guns and the
Cumberland 80 guns-wcre riding at
anchor.
The coming OF the Virginia was
surprise, but ships aud shore batter
les opened fire. The Virginia leisure
ly pursued her way until within easy
range, when she effectively replied
with her forward pivot gun to the
Cumberland, gave the Congress
broadside and heading for the Cum
berland, rammed her fatally. Turn
ing to the Congress, the Virginia
raked her with she'll and Immediately
! took position from which shot told
terribly on the Federal boat.
The Cumberland, sinking, fought as
size went down, and the Congress dis
puted for an hour the question as to
which should be the victor. At last,
she struck her colors, surrendered,
and was destroyed.
History records no more severe ma
val battle, or greater victory .han that
won by the Virginia.
The contest next day, between the
newly built and more complete iron
clad, the Monitor, which came into
! the waters at tho supreme moment,
and the Virginia, was 6 marvellous
atfair-a hard fought battle. On the
one side, the Virginia, the creation of
an hour, so to speak; on the other
! side, the Monitor, tho result of much
painstaking and continuous work,
with the shipyards and foundries of
the world to draw upon for every
needed article whether of construc-
tion or equipment. When the Moni-
tor withdr>Ui, the Virginia sullenly,
but really Barkislike, steamed back
whence she came-covered with glory
albeit badly crippled.
She had made a name for herself.
Her officers and men had shown the
highest courage and the greatest capa-
biity.
Passing over the brilliant career of
the Sumter and the Alabama in the
work of destruction wrought upon the
enemy's commerce, let US study for
moment the battle between the Ala.
hama aud the kearsarge off Cher
'urg, France, June l9. 1864.
Rear Admiral Semmes had ordered
the Alabama headed for Cherbourg,
purposing to have the ship put in
good condition, for "her joints we're
loose, her seams open and the copper
on her bottom in rolls" Entranoe to
the government dock could not be
granted without the consent Of the
emperor, Napoleon. He was absent
from Paris.
While negotiations were in progress
the Federal warship kearsarge steam
ed into the harbor for the purpose, it
was sid, of taking on board number
CT prize ship prisoners Admiral Sem
mes had landed. To this procedure,
Semmes vigorously and successfully
objected. Theueupon Read Admiral
Winslow turned the Kearsarge's nose
to the sea.
Admiral Semmes determined TO
fight the Kearsarge otwithstanding
the bad physical condition Of his ship.
So, on Sunday morning, the Alabama
weighed anchor and stood out to sea