[The following is in regards to an engagement between the two famous Ironclad naval vessels during the Civil War, named USS Monitor (North) and CSS Virginia (South), respectively. The chosen excerpt is taken from the writings of the USS Monitor’s acting paymaster, Lieutenant William F. Keeler. Also, to avoid confusion, the CSS Virginia is here referred to as the Merrimac, which is the hull design used by the South when constructing the CSS Virginia.]
A puff of smoke arose from her side and a shell howled over our heads. Capt. Worden, who was on deck, came up and said more sternly than I ever heard him speak before, “Gentlemen, that is the Merrimac, you had better go below.”
We did not wait [for] a second invitation but ascended the tower and down the hatchway, Capt. W. following. The iron hatch was closed after opening and all access to us cut off. As we passed down through the turret the gunners were lifting a 175 lb. shot into the mouth of one of our immense guns.
”Send them that without compliments, my lads,” says Capt. W.
Source:
Stephens, John Richard. “Eyewitness Reports.” Weird History 101: Tales of Intrigue, Mayhem, and Outrageous Behavior. New York: Barnes & Noble, 2006. 22. Print.
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