Some ships of-war were at anchor not far from the shore. With the unaided eye great bustle could be seen on these ships; two of them were but a very short distance from us.
The smoke in the south came nearer. I had walked and stood until I needed rest; I sat on the ground.
Now, at our left, toward Fortress Monroe, we could see three ships moving up toward the two which were near us.
The strange vessel come on; we could see a flag flying. The design of the flag was two broad red stripes with a white stripe between.
The big ship was nearer; her form was new and strange; a large roof, with little showing above it. She seemed heading toward Fortress Monroe.
Suddenly she swung round and came slowly on toward our two ships near Newport News.
The two Federal ships opened their guns upon the rebel craft; the batteries on shore turned loose on her.
Lydia put her hands to her ears, but soon took them away. She was used to wounds, but had never before seen battle.
From above--the James River, as I afterward knew--now came down some smaller rebel ships to engage in the fight, but they were too small to count for much.
Suddenly the Merrimac fired one gun, still moving on toward our last ship--the ship at the west; still she moved on, and on, and on, and struck our ship with her prow, and backed.