...he plan to the Merrimac; and, also, what persons have rendered especial aid in designing and building the ship, I have the honor to reply, that on the tenth day of June, 1861, Lieut. John M. Brooke, confederate States navy, was directed to aid the department in designing an iron-clad war-vessel and framing the necessary specifications. He entered upon this duty at once, and a few days thereafter submitted to t...