A History of the United States Navy, from 1775 To 1894

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 Excerpt: ...navy. Of her crew of four hundred I j and thirty-four men, the Congress had one hundred-and thirty killed or drowned, including her commander, and a large number of wounded, and thirty taken prisoners. The Cumberland, with a crew of three hundred and seventy-six, had one hundred and twenty killed or drowned, and a large number of those who escaped to the shore were wounded. On the part of the enemy, two were killed in the Merrimac, and eight, including Captain Buchanan, were wounded. The total loss of the Confederates, including the gunboats, was twentyone killed or wounded. Although the Merrimac had been the target for more than one hundred heavy guns, her casemate had not been materially injured. But everything exposed was swept away. Her flagstaff had been repeatedly shot away, and her colors were several times fastened to the smokestack, but only to be carried away again. The flag was finally fastened to a boarding pike. Stanchions, railings, davits, steam pipes and boats had been demolished, while two of the broadside guns had been disabled by having their muzzles shot away. Further than this she was as dangerous as ever, and only awaited the return of daylight and tide to complete the destruction of the wooden vessels in the Roads. The disastrous results of this day's fight spread the profoundest gloom over the North, and caused corresponding rejoicing in the South. Extraordinary measures for protecting Northern ports were suggested, for the appearance of the " terrible monster" was momentarily expected at all the seaports. Anything strange or abnormal pertaining to the sea is peculiarly liable to the wildest exaggeration among the average landsmen. The Merrimac certainly was a "new fish" in naval architecture, and she had proved h...