...f the North, occupied with more pressing labors. Consequently, the first rudelyconstructed iron-clads which figured in the war before the end of 1861 met with but little success. We have seen how Hollins could attempt nothing serious with the Manassas at New Orleans, and that Foote's gun-boats were not protected by their armor against the plunging fire of Fort Donelson. In the mean while, more fo...