ley. The submerged ram had struck home. A great rent yawned in the
ship's side; she filled rapidly--careened--went down by the bows--her
flag still flying--her men still at quarters!

On past her--scarce checked in her deadly-slow course--moved the
"Virginia." Then she closed on the "Congress," and one terrific
broadside after another raked the frigate; till, trembling like a
card-house, she hauled down her colors and raised the white flag. The
"Beaufort" ranged alongside and received the flag of the "Congress",
and her captain, William R. Smith, and Lieutenant Pendergrast as
prisoners of war. These officers left their side-arms on the "Beaufort"
and returned to the "Congress;" when--notwithstanding the white flag--a
hot fire was opened from shore upon the "Beaufort", and she was
compelled to withdraw. Lieutenant Robert Minor was then sent in a boat
from the "Virginia" to fire the frigate; but was badly wounded by a
Minie-ball, from under the white flag; and Captain Buchanan was
seriously hit in the leg by the same volley. Then it was determined to
burn the "Congress" with hot shot.

There is no room for comment here; and no denial of these facts has
ever been made, or attempted.

Meanwhile, the frigates "Minnesota", "St. Lawrence" and "Roanoke" had
advanced and opened fire on the "Virginia"; but upon her approach to
meet it, they retired under the guns of the fort; the "Minnesota" badly
damaged by the heavy fire of her antagonist, while temporarily aground.

Next day the "Virginia" had a protracted but indecisive fight with the
"Monitor;" the latter's lightness preventing her being run down and
both vessels seeming equally impenetrable. Later in the day the
victorious ship steamed back to Norfolk, amid the wildest enthusiasm of
its people. The experiment had proved a success beyond the wildest
expectation: and a new era seemed opened in naval warfare.

But however great the meed of praise deserved by the iron ship and her
crew, at least as much was due to those of the wooden gun-boats that
had so gallantly seconded her efforts. All day long had those frail
shells been urged into the thickest of that terrific fire. Shot flew
by, over and through them; and it seemed miraculous that they were not
torn into shreds!

The success of the "Virginia", while it gave food for much comment at
the North and in Europe, had the effect of stimulating the Department
to renewed exertions elsewhere. At the same time it raised the n