sir,—Having been confined to my bed in this building since the 9th instant in consequence of a wound received in the action of the previous day, I have not had it in my power at an earlier date to prepare the official report which I now have the honor to make of the proceedings on the 8th and 9th instant of the James River squadron under my command, composed of the following named vessels: Steamer
Virginia, flag-ship, 10 guns; steamer
Patrick Henry, 12 guns,
Commander John R. Tucker; steamer
Jamestown,
Lieutenant-Commander J. N. Barney, 2 guns, and gunboats
Teaser,
Lieutenant-Commanding W. A. Webb,
Beaufort,
Lieutenant-Commanding W. H. Parker, and
Raleigh,
Lieutenant-Commanding J. W. Alexander, each one gun; total, 27 guns.
On the 8th instant, at 11 A. M., the
Virginia left the navy-yard,
Norfolk, accompanied by the
Raleigh and
Beaufort, and proceeded to Newport News, to engage the enemy's frigates
Cumberland and
Congress, gunboats, and shore batteries.
When within less than a mile of the
Cumberland, the
Virginia commenced the engagement with that ship with her bowgun, and the action soon became general, the
Cumberland, Congress, gunboats, and shore batteries concentrating upon us their heavy fire, which was returned with great spirit and determination.
The Virginia stood rapidly on towards the
Cumberland, which ship I had determined to sink with our prow, if possible.
In about