Benson J. Lossing, Pictorial Field Book of the Civil War. Volume 2.

“ [365] ship in the world,” --but with very little effect. The Merrimack sent in return one of her terrible shells, that went crashing through the Minnesota to midships, exploding two charges of powder on its way, bursting in the boatswain's apartments, tearing four rooms all into one, and setting the ship on fire. The flames were soon extinguished. Another of her shells penetrated the boiler of the tug-boat Dragon and exploded it. Meanwhile at least fifty solid shot, from the Minnesota, had struck the Merrimack without the least effect, but her fiery little antagonist was bearing down upon her, and soon commanded her whole attention. The latter placed herself between the combatants, and compelled the Merrimack to change her position. In

Battle between the Monitor and Merrimack, in Hampton Roads.

so doing she grounded, when Van Brunt again brought all his guns to bear upon her. Her situation was a critical one, and as soon as she got afloat again she turned her prow toward Norfolk, when the Monitor gave chase. The monster suddenly turned upon its pursuer and ran with full speed upon the little warrior, its huge beak grating over the deck of the Monitor. It was more damaged by the contact than the vessel it assailed. This was instantly followed by the plunge of a heavy shot through the armor of the Merrimack, and the concentration of the guns of the latter on the turret and. pilot-house of the Monitor. The encounter was desperate, but suddenly ceased, and the combatants withdrew; the Monitor making her way toward Fortress Monroe, and the Merrimack and her tenders toward Norfolk. The Minnesota, relieved of immediate danger, was lightened by throwing some heavy guns overboard, and was put afloat at two o'clock the next morning.¹

During the combat, the gallant Captain Worden, whose record in the history of the Navy is without blemish as a man and a soldier, had suffered severely. He had stationed himself at the pilot-house, while Lieutenant. Greene managed the guns, and Chief Engineer Alban C. Stimers, who was on board in the capacity of Government inspector, worked the turret. Nine