Confederate Tribute to the Commanders of the Minnesota, St. Lawrence, and Roanoke, which vessels ran aground in flight from the terrible Virginia:
I take occasion to say that their character as officers of skill, experience, and bravery was well established at the time, and suffered no diminution then or thereafter.
Virginius Newton, C. S. N.
Battle between the “Virginia” (“Merrimac”) and Federal men-of-war, 1862
March Ninth
BROOKE
The men who manned the Monitor made a grand fight, and her commander upheld the best traditions of the American navy; but history must bear witness to the fact that, if not overmatched or defeated, she at least withdrew to shallow water, where the Virginia could not follow her; and later, under the guns of Ft. Monroe, she declined the subsequent battle challenges of the refitted Virginia.
All honor to Capt. Worden and the Virginia-inspired invention of the Swede; but “America’s glory for Americans.” Let all Americans honor the name of JOHN MERCER BROOKE, the inventor and designer of the first armored war vessel of the world.—Ed.
Battle between the “Virginia” and the “Monitor,” 1862