The year 1862 had not been a good one to Confederate hopes so far. Forts Henry and Donelson has been taken, opening the center of the Confederate west. Nashville, Tennessee, and Columbus, Kentucky, had fallen as a result.
Union forces were getting ready to attack Island No. 10 on the Mississippi. Another Federal fleet was getting ready to attack New Orleans.
On the Atlantic, things were also bad. Roanoke Island had fallen, opening the way for Union incursions along the North Carolina Sounds deep inland.
Fort Clinch, Florida had fallen along with Amelia Island.
And, then, came today and a brief fling with glory.
MARCH 8TH
The ironclad CSS Virginia under Captain Buchanan destroyed the Union ships USS Congress and Cumberland in Hampton Roads, Virginia. The Virginia had not had sea trials or training and headed straight for the Union fleet.
First, the Virginia attacked the Cumberland, ramming that ship which sank rapidly, firing its guns as it went down.
Then, the Virginia turned to attack the Congress, which had run aground and set her ablaze with hot shot and incendiary shell.
However, the Confederate ship's ram broke off in the Cumberland and Buchanan was wounded and had to turn over command to Lt. Catesby ap R. Jones.
The Virginia withdrew, planning on returning the next day to destroy the USS Minnesota and any other Union ships it could engage.
And, We Know What Happened Next. --Old B-Runner
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