Lt. Catesby ap Roger Jones had directed most of the conversion of the USS Merrimack into the CSS Virginia and was very disappointed when he was not chosen to command her. Sec. of Navy Mallory wanted the more aggressive Franklin Buchanan for that job.
The North Atlantic Blockading Squadron under Flag Officer Louis M. Goldsborough planned to catch the Virginia in a crossfire. That plan broke down when four of his wooden ships ran aground, one intentionally, when the Confederate ironclad finally appeared.
On the day of the battle, Goldsborough was absent
The USS Congress was raised September 1865 and taken to Norfolk Navy Yard and later sold. Cloth from its sails were later sewn into a flag in her honor.
A Commander Should be With His Ship in a Fight. --Old B-Runner
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