give this army the strength which those officers
considered necessary to enable it to assume the offensive. Upon
which, I drew it back to its present position.

Most respectfully your obedient servant,

J. E. JOHNSTON.

A true copy:

G. W. C. LEE, Col. and A.D.C.

* * * *

_THE FIRING UNDER THE WHITE FLAG, IN HAMPTON ROADS._

Reference has been made in these pages, to the peculiar circumstances
of the wounding of Flag-Lieutenant Robert D. Minor, in the "Merrimac"
fight on the 8th March, 1862. The official report of Fleet-Captain
Franklin Buchanan distinctly states the facts and formulates the
charge, accepted by the author. From that lengthy and detailed official
document is reproduced verbatim this

EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF FLAG-OFFICER BUCHANAN.

NAVAL HOSPITAL,
NORFOLK, March 27, 1862.

_To Hon. S. R. Mallory, Secretary of the Navy:_

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

While the Virginia was thus engaged in getting her position, for
attacking the Congress, the prisoners state it was believed on
board that ship that we had hauled off; the men left their guns and
gave three cheers. They were soon sadly undeceived, for a few
minutes after we opened upon her again, she having run on shore in
shoal water. The carnage, havoc and dismay, caused by our fire,
compelled them to haul down their colors, and to hoist a white flag
at their gaff half-mast, and another at the main. The crew
instantly took to their boats and landed. Our fire immediately
ceased, and a signal was made for the Beaufort to come within hail.
I then ordered Lieutenant-Commanding Parker to take possession of
the Congress, secure the officers as prisoners, allow the crew to
land, and burn the ship. He ran alongside, received her flag and
surrender, from Commander William Smith and Lieutenant Pendergrast,
with the side-arms of those officers. They delivered themselves as
prisoners of war on board the Beaufort, and afterward were
permitted, at their own request, to return to the Congress, to
assist in removing the wounded to the Beaufort. They never
returned, and I submit to the decision of the Department whether
they are not our prisoners. While the Beaufort and Raleigh were
alongside the Congress, and the surrender of that vessel had been
rece