Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[48] when those on hand were exhausted, then the proper time would have arrived to take into consideration the expediency or practicability of striking a last blow at the enemy or destroying her.

In conclusion, the court is of opinion that the evacuation of Norfolk, the destruction of the Navy-Yard and other public property, added to the hasty retreat of the military under General Huger, leaving the batteries unmanned and unprotected, no doubt conspired to produce in the minds of the officers of the Virginia the necessity of her destruction at the time, as, in their opinion, the only means left of preventing her from falling into the hands of the enemy; and seems to have precluded the consideration of the possibility of getting her up James River to the point or points indicated.

The Court of Inquiry, of which Captain F. Forrest is president, is hereby dissolved.