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Ram head of the C.S.S. Virginia, which was used to destroy the U.S.S. Cumberland offshore of Hampton.

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U.S. Steamer Monitor
Hampton Roads, March 14, 1862

My dear Mother and father,

I commence this now, but I dont know when I shall finish, as I have to write it at odd moments, when I can find a few minutes rest. When I bid Charley good night on Wednesday the 5th, I confidently expected to see you the next day, as I then thought it would be impossible to finish our repairs on Thursday, but the mechanics worked all night and a[t] 11 A.M. on Thursday we started down the harbor in company with the gun-boats Sachem and Currituck. We went along very nicely and when we arrived at Governor's Island, the steamer Seth Low came along side and took us in tow. We went out passed the Narrows with a light wind from the West and very smooth water. The weather continued the same all Thursday night. I turned out at six o'clock on Friday morning, and from that time until Monday at 7 P.M. I think I lived ten good years. About noon the wind freshened and the sea was quite rough. In the afternoon the sea was breaking over our decks at a great rate, and coming in our hawse pipe, forward, in perfect floods. Our berth deck hatch leaked in spite of all we could do, and the water came down under the Tower like a water fall. It would strike the pilot house and go over the Tower in most beautiful curves. The water came through the narrow eye holes in the pilot house with such force as to knock the helmsman completely round from the wheel. At 4 P.M. the water had gone down our smoke stacks and blowers to such an extent that the blowers gave out, and the Engine Room was filled with gas. Then Mother occured a scene I shall never forget. Our Engineers behaved like heroes every one of them. They fought with the gas, endeavoring to get the blowers to work, until they dropped down--apparently as dead as men ever were. I jumped in the Engine Room with my men as soon as I could and carried them on top of the Tower to get fresh air. I was nearly suffocated with the gas myself, but got on deck after everyone was out of the Engine Room just in time to save myself. Three firemen were in the same condition as the Engineers. Then times looked rather blue I can assure you. We had no fear as long as the Engine could be kept going, to pump out the water, but when that stopped the water increased rapidly. I immediately rigged the hand pump on the berth deck, but we were obliged to lead the hose out over the Tower; there was not force enough in the pump to throw the water out. Our only resource now was to bail, and that was useless as we had to pass the buckets up through the Tower, which made it a vary long operation. What to do now we did not know. We had done all in our power and must let things take their own course. Fortunately the wind was off shore, so we hailed the tug boat, and told them to steer directly for the shore in order to get in smooth water. After five hours of hard steaming, we got near the land and in smooth water. At 8 P.M. we managed to

get the engines to go in everything comparatively quiet again. The Captain had been up nearly all the previous night, and as we did not like to leave the deck without one of us being there, so I told him I would keep the watch from 8 to 12, he take it from 12 to 4, and I would relieve him from 4 to 8. Well the first watch passed off very nicely, smooth sea, clear sky, the moon out and the old tank going along five and six knots very nicely. All I had to do was to keep awake and think over the narrow escape we had in the afternoon. At 12 o'clock things looked so favorable, that I told the Captain he need not turn out, I would lay down with my clothes on, and if any thing happened, I would turn out and attend to it. He said very well and I went to my room and hoped to get a little nap. I had scarcely go[t] to my bunk, when I was startled by the most infernal noise that I ever heard in my life. The Merrimac's firing on Sunday last was music to it.

We were just passing a shoal and the sea suddenly became very rough and right ahead. It came up with tremendous force through our anchor-well and forced the air through our hawse pipe where the chain comes and then the water would come through in a perfect stream clear to our berth deck over the Ward Room table. The noise resembled the death groans of twenty men, and certainly was the most dismal, awful sound I ever heard. Of course the Captain and myself were on our feet in a moment and endeavoring to stop the hawse pipe. We succeeded partially but now the water commenced to come down our blowers again and we feared the same accident that happened in the afternoon. We tried to hail the Tug Boat, but the wind being directly ahead, they could not hear us, and we had no way of signalling to them as the steam whistle which father recommend had not been put on. We commenced to think then the Monitor would never see day light. We watched carefully every drop of water that went down the blowers and sent continually to ask the Firemen how the blowers were going. His only answer was slowly, but could not be kept going much longer unless we could stop the water from coming down. The sea was washing completely over our decks and it was dangerous for a man to go on them so we could do nothing to the blowers. In the midst of all this our wheel ropes jumped off the steering wheel (owing to the pitching of the ship) and became jambed. She now commenced to sheer about at awful rate and we thought our hawser must certainly part. Fortunately it was a new one and held on well. In the course of half an hour we fixed the wheel ropes and now our blowers were the only difficulty. About 3 o'clock on Saturday morning, the sea became a little smoother, though still rough, and going down our blowers to some extent. The never failing answer from the Engine Room, "Blowers going slowly, but cant go much longer. From 4 A. M. until day light, was certainly the longest hour and a half, I ever spent. I certainly thought old Sol had stopped in China and never intended to pay us another visit. At last however we could see and made the Tug Boat understand to go nearer in shore and get in smooth water, which we did at about 8 A.M. Things were again a little quiet, but every thing wet and uncomfortable below. The decks and air Ports leaked and the water still came down the hatches and under the Tower. I was busy all day, making out my Station Bills and attending to different things that constantly required my attention. At 3 P.M. we parted our hawser, but fortunately it was quite smooth, and we secured it without difficulty. At 4 P.M. we passed Cape Henry and heard heavy firing in the direction of Fortress Monroe. As we approached it increased, and we immediately cleated ship for action. When about half way between Fortress Monroe and Cape Henry, we spoke a pilot boat. He told us the Cumberland was sunk and the Congress was on fire and had surrendered to the Merrimac. We did not credit it, at first, but as we approached Hampton Roads, we could see the fine old Congress burning brightly, and we knew then it must be so. Badly indeed did we feel, to think those two fine old vessels had gone to their last homes, with so many of their brave crews. Our hearts were very full and we vowed vengeance on the "Merrimac", if it should ever be our lot to fall in with her. At 9 P.M. we anchored near the Frigate Roanoke, the flag ship, Captain Marston (the Major's brother.) Captain Worden immediately went on board, and received orders to proceed to New Port News, and protect the Minnesota (which was aground) from the Merrimac. We immediately got underweigh and arrived at the Minnesota at 11 P.M. I went all board in our cutter and asked the Captain what his prospects were of getting off. He said he should try to get afloat at 2 A. M. when it was high water. I asked him if we could render him any assistance, to which he replied No. I then told him we should do all in our power to protect him from the attacks of the Merrimac. He thanked me kindly and wished us success. Just as I arrived back to the Monitor, the Congress blew up, and certainly a grander sight was never seen, but it went straight to the marrow of our bones. Not a word was said, but deep did each man think, and wish he was by the side of the Merrimac. At 1 A.M. we anchored ncar the Minnesota. The Captain and myself remained on deck, waiting for the Merrimac. At 3 A.M. we thought the Minnesota was afloat and coming down on us, so we got underweigh as soon as possible and stood out of the Channel. After backing and filling about for an hour we found we were mistaken and anchored again. At day light we discovered the Merrimac at anchor with several vessels under Sewall's Point. We immediately made every preparation for battle. At 8 A.M. on Sunday the Merrimac got underweigh, accompanied by several Steamers, and started direct for the Minnesota. When a mile distant she fired two guns at the Minnesota. By this time our anchor was up, the men at quarters, the guns loaded, and everything ready for action. As the Merrimac came closer, the Captain passed the word to commence firing. I triced up the port, run the gun out, and fired the first gun, and thus commenced the great battle between the" Monitor" and the" Merrimac".

Now mark the condition our men and officers were in. Since Friday morning, 48 hours, they had had no rest, and very little food, as we could not conveniently cook. They had been hard at work all night, and nothing to eat for breakfast except hard bread, and were thoroughly worn out. As for myself, I had not slept a wink for 51 hours, and had been on my feet almost constantly. But after the first gun was fired, we forgot all fatigues, hard work and every thing else, and went to work fighting as hard as men ever fought. We loaded and fired as fast as we could. I pointed and fired the guns myself. Every shot I would ask the Captain the effect, and the majority of them were encouraging. The Captain was in the Pilot House directing the movements of the vessel. Acting Master Stodder was stationed at the wheel which turns the Tower, but as he could not manage it, he was relieved by Stimers. The speaking trumpet from the Tower to the pilot House was broken, so we passed the word from the Captain to myself on the berth deck, by Pay Master Keeler and Captain's Clerk Toffey. Five times during the engagement we touched each other, and each time I fired a gun at her, and I will vouche the 168 lbs. penetrated her sides. Once she tried to run us down with her iron prow, but did no damage whatever. After fighting for two hours, we hauled off for half an hour to hoist shot in the Tower. At it we went again as hard as we could. The Shot, Shell, grape, canister, musket and rifle balls flew about us in every direction but did us no damage. Our Tower was struck several times, and though the noise was pretty loud, it did not effect us any. Stodder and one of the men were carelessly leaning against the Tower, when a shot struck the Tower exactly opposite to them, and disabled them for an hour or two. At about 11:30 the Captain sent for me. I went forward, and there stood as noble a man as lives, at the foot of the ladder of the pilot house. His face was perfectly black with powder and iron, and he was apparently perfectly blind. I asked him what was the matter. He said a shot had struck the Pilot House exactly opposite his eyes and blinded him, and he thought the Pilot House was damaged. He told me to take charge of the ship and use my own descretion. I lead him to his room and laid him on the sofa, and then took his position. On examining the Pilot house I found the iron hatch on top, had been knocked about half way off, and the second iron log from the Top, on the forward side was completely cracked through. We still continued firing, the Tower being under the direction of Stimers. We were between two fires. The Minnesota on one side and the Merrimac on the other. The latter was retreating to Sewell's Point and the Minnesota had struck us twice on the Tower. I knew if another shot should strike our pilot house in the same place, our steering apparatus would be disabled and we should be at the mercy of the Batteries on Sewall's Point. The Merrimac was retreating towards the latter place. We had strict orders to act on the defensive and protect the Minnesota. We had evidently finished the Merrimac as far as the Minnesota was concerned, our pilot house was damaged and we had strict orders, not to follow the Merrimac up; therefore, after the Merrimac had retreated, I went to the Minnesota and remained by her until she was afloat. Genl. Wool and Secretary Fox both have complimented me very highly for acting as I did, and said it was the strict military plan to follow. This is the reason we did not sink the Merrimac, and everyone here capable of judging says we acted exactly right.

The fight was over now and we were victorious. My men and myself were perfectly black with smoke and powder. All my under clothes were perfectly black and my person was in the same condition. As we ran along side the Minnesota, Secretary Fox hailed us, and told us we had fought the greatest Naval battle on record and behaved as gallantly as men could. He saw the whole fight. I felt proud and happy then mother, and felt fully repaid for all I had suffered. When our noble Captain heard the Merrimac had retreated he said he was perfectly happy and willing to die, since he had saved the Minnesota. Oh how I love and venerate that man. Most fortunately for him his class mate and most intimate friend, Lieut. Wise saw the fight and was along side immediately after the engagement. He took him on board the Baltimore boat and carried him to Washington that night. The Minnesota was still aground and we stood by her until she floated about 4 P.M. She grounded again shortly and we anchored for the night. I was now Captain and 1st Lieutenant and had not a soul to help me in the ship as Stodder was injured and Webber useless. I had been up so long, had had so little rest and been under such a state of excitement that my nervous system was completely run down. Every bone in my body ached. My limbs and joints were so sore that I could not stand. My nerves and muscles twitched as though electric shocks were continually passing through them and my head ached as if it would burst. Some times I thought my brain would come right out over my eye brows. I laid down and tried to sleep, but I might as well have tried to fly. About 12 o'clock Acting Lieutenant Flye came on board and reported to me for duty. He lives in Topsham, opposite Brunswick, and recollects father very well. He immediately assumed the duties of 1st Luff. and I felt considerably relieved. But no sleep did I get that night, owing to my excitement. The next morning at 8 o'clock we got underweigh, and stood through our fleet. Cheer after cheer went up from the Frigates and small craft for the glorious little Monitor and happy indeed did we all feel. I was Captain then of the vessel that had saved New Port News, Hampton Roads, Fortress Monroe (as Genl. Wool himself said) and perhaps your Northern Ports. I am unable to express the happiness and joy I felt, to think I had served my country and Flag so well, at such an important time. I passed Farquar's vessel and answered his welcome salute. About 10 A.M. Genl. Wool and Mr. Fox came on board and congratulated us upon our victory, etc., etc. We have a standing invitation from Genl. Wool to dine with him, but no officer is allowed to leave the ship until we sink the Merrimac. At 8 o'clock that night Tom Selfridge came on board and took command, and brought the following letter from Fox to me,

U.S. Steamer Roanoke
Old Point, March 10th
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Featured here is a letter, written by Lieutenant Samuel Dana Green and addressed to his parents, entailing his experiences in the conflict so far and his opinions regarding them.
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Thesis: The Union's Monitor was victorious in the encounter.
Claim: The Monitor was the clear winner of the battle due to the Merrimack's retreat and the superior strategy of the union
Evidence:
"The Merrimac was retreating towards the latter place. We had strict orders to act on the defensive and protect the Minnesota. We had evidently finished the Merrimac as far as the Minnesota was concerned..."

"As we ran alongside the Minnesota, Secretary Fox hailed us, and told us we had fought the greatest Naval battle on record and behaved as gallantly as men could. He saw the whole fight. I felt proud and happy then mother, and felt fully repaid for all I had suffered."

Reasoning:
In battle, a retreat that occurs due to a tactical failure or lack of resources typically signifies a loss. According to the Lieutenant, the Merrimack was the first of the 2 ships to retreat from the encounter. As both ironclads in the scenario were unable to significantly damage the exterior of the other, the only feasible reason for retreat would be a loss of resources. With a deficit in resources being the only reason for retreat in a scenario in which no side can beat the other, it is clear that the Monitor was superior in the encounter. This conservation of resources, going by the view of the Lieutenant, could be attributed to the immaculate skills and efforts of the soldiers in battle, as stated to have been said by Secretary Fox.

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https://cnu.libguides.com/c.php?g=23197&p=136479

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Thank you, folks, for choosing Hampton Boat Tours as your vessel on this wonderful journey! My name is Yakob, and I will be guiding you through today's tour. Today, we will be exploring the wonderful Hampton coast where one of the most impactful battles in all of naval warfare took place, The Battle of Hampton Roads. Unfortunately, as this battle was entirely maritime, there are no definite locations to highlight, but I can explain to you what happened. Here in this very spot, the mighty USS Monitor stood in the face of the CSS Merrimack, later referred to as the CSS Virginia. However, despite what many of you high school historians may believe, these two were not the only ships present. Joining the USS Monitor were the USS Congress, USS Minnesota,  USS Roanoke,  USS St. Lawrence,  USS Cumberland, and several other smaller ships. Accomplices of the Merrimack included the Beaufort,  Raleigh, Teaser, Patrick Henry, and an amount of smaller ships lesser than that of the Union, none being steamships. These two forces fought vigorously with 4 Union steamboats being taken down and the South losing some of their smaller ships. Despite the clear greater impact of takedowns by the Confederacy, the conflict resulted in a complete tie; why did this occur?

Now, you see, even though many of the other ships in the battle met their fateful ends, the two ironclads held firm and strong, never flinching to even the heaviest of artillery. Since neither side could sink the driving force of the other's fleet, the USS Monitor and CSS Merrimack remained in an indefinite standstill. As this was the first time globally that two ironclads had clashed against one another, no one truly knew what would happen. After seeing these results, countries across the globe, mainly European ones, upgraded their naval forces to incorporate ironclads. When thinking of the result of the battle, this global upending of naval warfare becomes completely reasonable. Imagine you are at the store, searching for groceries for a potluck you're going to. You go home and cook the best chili you can with the ingredients you bought. Once you go to the potluck, you see a beautiful sight, a heavenly, simply immaculate chili; if a drop of that chili even makes contact with your pot, it completely takes over the flavor profile with the celestial experience it provides. That is what these countries felt like, completely canceled out by just a small portion of a fleet.

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Battle of Ironclads: Monitor vs Virginia

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This picture features an artist's rendition of the encounter between the U.S.S. Monitor and the C.S.S. Merrimack. Both ships are clearly depicted as visibly undamaged, showcasing the nature of the standstill between the two. The background of the image shows several other non-iron clad ships fighting with the larger 2-shipped force likely being of the Union due to the relatively large amount of ships they brought to battle.

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This picture shows a blueprint-esque diagram of the USS Monitor, featuring its rotating cannon, metal hull, and somewhat spacious interior. The diagram below truly shows how a simple change in material can alter the landscape of an entire type of battle as there is nothing remarkable on the interior besides the rotating cannon; wooden boats were rendered useless against metal exteriors of ironclads.

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This image, taken by the NOAA, showcases the U.S.S. Monitor as it stands today, a wreck at the ocean floor. Nine months after it's encounter with the C.S.S. Merrimack it sunk as a result of a storm of the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.