The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-06-05
Correcting the Record.

In nearly all accounts OF the engagement
between the Virginia (Merrimac) and the
Monitor of Newport News, the Monitor ia
said TO have gotten the best OF the engage
ment forcing the Virginia TO retire badly
worsted. The reason for this statement is
found In the fact that the engagement was SO
reported 10 the Federal Navy Department
and publication has not been given TO the
corrected statement of the facts.
We cop below an editorial clipping from
the Virginia Pilot. Norfolk, Va. that will be
Int eresting to those who would see history
correctly written.
The battle between the "Merrimac and
Monitor" was fought just OF Newport News
not far from the location of the Chamber
lain Hotel at Old Point Comfort. The 10.
cation OF the engagement Is In full view from
the exposition grounds. Visitors looking to
ward the big grain elevators at Newport News
from the exposition grounds look directly
over the section of Hampton Roads where
the famous seafght took place.
The following piece will be OF peculiar In
terest to any who may visit the exposition
Our attention has been called to the fact
that since writing q notice of Mr.: FIveash',
Interesting and valuable story Of the Virgins
and Monitor, that Capt. H. p. Littlepage
formerly OF the Confederate Navy and a mid
shipman on the Virginia from start to f1nisr
Of her career, has also deemed this gathering
of The fleets" an appropriate season for gain
ing the public ear for q truthful version. o
events which have been long grievousIy mis-
represented. Captain Littlepage's accounl
Ia more lengthy, but does not differ as u
paipstaking accuracy and impartialy mar
shallipg OF all reliable and relevant testimony
fIom the treatment OF the subject In the worn
OF Mr.. Fiveash. The claims put forward by
both writer's may be synopsized as follows:
(D That the Virginia was the first ironcIad
man of war, the first steam battery protected
struoted by the Confederate secretary Of navy
and three assistants; C2) that the Virginia
revolutionized the naval warfare Of the world
(S) that the Monitor, IN form and idea. was
| actually defeated the Monitor IN the battle Of
Hampton Roads. March 8. 1862. and forced
the Monitor to withdraw q retreat under
cover of the guns OF Fortress Monroe: (5) that
after the retreat OF the Monitor the Virgins
offered battle repeatedly, and the Monitor re-
| April II the Virginia steamed Within range
OF the snns OF the Rip Raps and Fortress
| Monroe and In full range OF the Monitor and
her attending squadron, and dispatched two
OF her wooden consorts to capture three fede
| raj vessels and tow them, with their colors re-
! veraed, under the bows OF foreign men OF WA
then present, to Norfolk as prizes Of war; q,
that the Con federate ship was destroyed by
order Of her commander ween Norfolk wa
evacuated by the Southern troops because she
could not be taken up the James river. The
strength Of the case made out by each author
ia that their contention Is abundautly and
inoontestably proven, II every scrsp OF evi
dence they adduce should be rejected except
federal officers to the navy department Of the
y. 8.