Official report of the battle.
After a short session with closed doors, the House again resumed its open session, when the following communication was received from the Executive, in response to the resolution of Mr. Lyons calling for the report of the naval battle in Hampton Roads:C. S. Steam Battery ‘"Virginia,"’
Off Sewell's Point, March, 8, 1862.
Flag Officer, In consequence of the wound of Flag-Officer Buchanan, it becomes my duty to report that the ‘"Virginia"’ left the yard this morning at 11 o'clock A. M., streamed down the river past our batteries, and over to Newport News, where we engaged the frigates Cumberland and Congress and the batteries ashore and also two large steam frigates, supposed to be the Minnesota and Roanoke, and a sailing frigate, and several small steamers armed with heavy rifled guns. We sunk the Cumberland. drove the Congress ashore, where she handled down her colors and hoisted the white but she fired upon us with the white flag flying, wounding Lieut, Minor and some of our men. We again opened fire upon her, and she is now in flames. The shoal water prevented our reaching the other frigates. This, with approaching night, we think, saved them from destruction. Our is two killed and eight wounded. Two of our guns have the enemies shot off, the prow was twisted, and armor somewhat damaged; the anchor and all flag staffs shot away, and smoke and steam pipe was riddled. The bearing of officers and men was all that could be wished, and in fact it could not have been otherwise, after the noble and daring conduct of the flag officer, whose wound is deeply regretted by all on board, who would gladly have themselves, in order to save him. We were accompanied from the Yard by the Beaufort, Lt., Farther and Raleigh, Lt. Alexander, and as man as it was discovered up the James river that the action had commenced we were joined by the Patrick Henry, Comp'r the Jamestown, Lt Burney, and the Teaser, Lt. Webb, all of which were actively engaged and reordered very efficient service I used the report of
very respectfully, your
Catesby Ap. R. John. Rx. and Ord. Officer. Flag Officer F. Fennat.
