Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 32.djvu/257

 The Ironclad Ram Virginia. 245

no effect, as all the missies which struck the ship's sides slid off without inflicting the slighest damage.

" Our first shot was from the bow gun, No. i (7 a-inch rifle), fired into the Cumberland. Immediately after firing, we rammed the starboard bow of the Cumberland and in fifteen minutes all was over, the vessel going down with her guns firing and colors flying. No braver heroes ever lived than the men who manned the Cum- berland.

' ' After sinking the Cumberland we were reinforced by the steamers Patrick Henry, Jamestown and Teaser, of the James river fleet, which rendered good service. We engaged the Congress and had considerable difficulty in getting in proper position, being under heavy fire from the shore batteries and the fleet of the enemy. In manoeuvering we silenced several of the shore batteries, blew up a steamer at the wharf, sank a sailing vessel and captured a schooner, which we sent to Norfolk. In the meantime the Congress had been run aground, and, getting in position, we commenced firing upon her. Our shots took quick effect, and the vessel hauled down her colors and sent up the white flag, many of the men hurriedly leav- ing the ship.

" Our commander sent the Beaufort and the Raleigh to rescue the wounded aboard the Congress. Just as they w.ere in the act of taking these poor mortals to safety and while the white flag was still flying, the shore batteries and the guns on the Congress opened fire upon our boats, killing some officers and men a cowardly act in warfare.

DETERMINED TO DESTROY HER.

" It was then that Captain Buchanan determined that the Congress should be destroyed. Lieutenant Minor volunteered to burn the vessel, and he started for her with a small boat's crew. When the boat was within seventy-five yards of the Congress the crew opened fire, wounding Lieutenant Minor and several of his men. After this act of treachery the lieutenant and his men returned to the Vir- ginia.

"Then we did pour hot shot and shell into the Congress. She took fire and about midnight her magazine blew up. The report was heard sixty miles away and the fire could be seen for miles.

" During all of this time the steam frigate Minnesota and Roanoke and the sailing frigate St. Lawrence had been firing broadsides into us. The Minnesota grounded, but as night came on the St. Law-