Today is a historic day. On this date, in 1862, the C.S.S. Virginia (known in the North as the Merrimack) steamed into Hampton Roads and opened fire on the Union fleet stationed there. She rammed the U. S. S. Cumberland, which sank, colors still flying, quickly taking 150 sailors with her. The Virginia then opened-up on the U. S. S. Congress. Eventually the Congress surrendered, but when batteries on shore began firing, the ironclad fired hot shot, cannon balls heated red-hot, into her setting the ship on fire, resulting 115 more deaths and the explosion of her magazine later on. As if that wasn't enough indignity to heap upon the Union Navy, the U. S. S. Minnesota had also been run aground and lay there like a sitting duck.
Though victorious, the U. S. S. Virginia had sustained damage, two crew members were dead and many more were injured, including the Captain, while her speed had been reduced, several metal plates had been damaged and two guns had been put out of action. These problems and the growing darkness made the acting-Captain decide to withdraw his ship for the night and to return in the morning to finish off the Union fleet.
For one day the Confederate Navy ruled the waves.
Meanwhile, the Union had been building an ironclad of their very own and it arrived late that evening. Taking up a position protecting the Minnesota, the U. S. S. Monitor waited for daybreak.
While the entire world held its breath.....
No comments:
Post a Comment