FEBRUARY 24TH
Captain Buchanan, CSN, ordered to command the James River, Virginia, naval forces and to fly his flag aboard the new CSS Virginia, along with other vessels: Patrick Henry, Jamestown, teaser, Raleigh and Beaufort.
Sec. of War Mallory added that the Virginia was such a novelty of construction "is untried, and her powers unknown; and hence the department will not give specific orders as to her attack upon the enemy." He suggested use of the ram, especially because of ammunition scarcity.
An attack up the Potomac River to Washington, DC, would be great as well.
FEBRUARY 25TH
The USS Monitor is commissioned in New York Harbor. Captain Dahlgren describes the Monitor as "a mere speck, like a hat on the surface."
The USS Cairo arrived at Nashville, Tennessee, with troops. The troops landed and occupied the city without resistance. Flag Officer Foote quoted a Nashville paper as stating: "We had nothing to fear from a land attack, but the gunboats are the devil."
The Upcoming Battle of the Ironclads Is Certainly Coming Together. --Old B-Runner
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