Van Brunt, G.J., 1801-? [Report on condition of the CSS "Merrimac"]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05331.01 Author/Creator: Van Brunt, G.J., 1801-? Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter signed Date: February 12, 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : docket Height: 25.4 cm, Width: 19.8 cm Order a Copy
Reports that a William West, a rigger "who made his escape from Norfolk," said the "Merrimac" was still in dock on 10 February. Claims the ship draws 17 feet of water, has 10 gun (8 of which are 9 inch smooth bore broadside gun and 2 heavy rifled guns). Carries 200 men and 12 lieutenants. Expects the ship to draw 21 feet with everything on board. Says the "Pilot house is in shape like a sugar loaf, and of cast-iron 5 inches thick and about 4 feet in diameter. She will be ready to come out of dock next Monday. Her engines are also working well. Captain Van Brunt commanded the USS "Minnesota," which was run aground by the CSS "Merrimac" (or CSS "Virginia") at the Battle of Hampton Roads on 8 March 1862.
The C.S.S. "Virginia," the first Confederate ironclad, was rebuilt from the burned-out hull of the abandoned U.S.S. "Merrimack," with iron plating added. Lieutenant Catesby ap R. Jones prepared the "Virginia's" armaments, consisting of ten heavy guns, including six nine-inch smoothbores. Flag Officer Franklin Buchanan commanded "Virginia" at the Battle of Hampton Roads, fought on 8 and 9 March 1862, off Sewell's Point, near the mouth of Hampton Roads, Virginia. On the first day, the "Virginia" wreaked havoc, destroying three wooden Union vessels. Aided by five smaller gunboats, the "Virginia" destroyed the "Cumberland" by ramming it, then forced the "Congress" to surrender after dispensing a murderous fire.
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