BATTLE OF THE IRONCLADS — CONFEDERATE NEWSPAPER PROCLAIMS A “GLORIOUS FIGHT”

An extra issue of the Natchez Courier, a Mississippi newspaper that published prominently during the Civil War.

Natchez Courier. Natchez, Mississippi: G. M. Hillyer. Extra!, 11 March 1862, 2–3 p.m. 1 page. Visible.

Announced under the bold headline “Glorious Fight,” this exceptional extra edition of the Natchez Courier reports on the famous first clash between ironclad warships: the Confederate CSS Virginia (formerly the Merrimack) and the Union USS Monitor. Fought near the confluence of the Nansemond, Elizabeth, and James Rivers in Virginia, close to the Chesapeake Bay, the battle ultimately ended in a draw. Nevertheless, the Confederacy viewed the encounter as proof of the success of its new warship design, one that would help revolutionize ironclad shipbuilding throughout the world.

In the Natchez Courier, the battle is recounted with dramatic flair: “A grand naval battle took place this afternoon off Newport News, which resulted in a glorious victory. The great marine iron-clad battery Virginia, formerly the Merrimac, left the Navy Yard at 11 o'clock this morning, accompanied by three gunboats, and proceeded to Newport News.” Although the Confederate plan was to break through the Union blockade that had cut off access to foreign trade, it was ultimately unsuccessful. Even so, the Virginia’s ability to return from the engagement largely unscathed was considered a victory in and of itself.

The paper continues with a vivid narration of the battle, describing the Virginia’s attacks on Union ships. Its claim of victory is summed up in the final account before the Confederate vessel returned home: “The Virginia had but two men killed and five wounded. The yankee schooner was captured and sent to Norfolk. The others were captured. The Ericson engaged the Virginia at a distance of 30 or 40 yards. The Virginia ran aground. The Ericson took advantage of this and poured upon her shot after shot with no effect. After getting off, the Virginia ran into Ericson with prow foremost and she fled. Many of the enemy's gunboats were sunk and disabled...The enemy's loss, both days, is estimated between 600 to 1200.” In the Courier’s telling, the Virginia’s defense had proven successful.

An intriguing Confederate account of the Civil War’s most celebrated naval battle.

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