From the December 30, 2012, Virginian Pilot by Margaret Matray.
On December 29, 1862, while under tow from the USS Rhode Island, the hawser line snapped. Caulking washed away and water rushed into the engine room and coal became too wet to keep up steam.
By 10:30 PM, Captain John Bankhead ordered a red distress signal to be hoisted. At 11 PM, he called for the Rhode Island to send rescue boats. Shortly after midnight, the Monitor's pumps stopped and that was that. The Monitor was going to sink.
The captain said, "It is madness to remain here longer. Let each man save himself.""
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
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