The CSS Virginia left the Gosport Navy Yard on March 8, 1862 and headed into Hampton Roads.
"I saw the huge monster swing loose from its moorings and make her way down the river... a good portion of her crew were on top and received the enthusiastic cheers from the excited populace without a single response. Everything betokened serious business." - Georgia Infantry Private, March 6 1862, on the CSS Virginia leaving berth
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Waiting in the Harbor were the wood warships, USS Cumberland and USS Congress. The Virginia engaged both ships, easily destroying the Cumberland with a huge broadside shot. After the Cumberland was sinking, the Virginia turned to the Congress and rammed it until it was on fire using its huge ramming spike. Over 400 men were lost in the fight. After the attacks, the Virginia returned to land to restock in ammo and tend to Capt. Buchanan's injuries. News reached the White House of the battle.
"The Virginia will destroy... every naval vessel; she will lay all the [Northern] cities on the seaboard under contribution [forcing someone to pay, or contribute, ransom or else be destroyed]." - President Lincoln's Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, March 8 1862 upon hearing of the destruction caused by the Virginia
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The next day the Virginia returned to Hampton Roads, but this time encountered the USS Monitor. They engaged. The Monitor had the advantage of being able to shoot the Virginia at any angle and take sharper turns. The Virginia struggled to turn and fire at the Monitor. But when it was able to shoot, it was very deadly and did damage to the Monitor. The outcome was both ships left the harbor with damage but neither sank. However, it was said to be a Union win because the Monitor prevented more damaged that could have been caused by the Virginia.