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During April the squadron was gradually increased by the addition of newvessels, including the new iron-clad Galena , and several fast steamers, theArago, Vanderbilt, Illinois , and Ericsson, as rams. When it was apparent thatthe Confederates would shortly be compelled to abandon Norfolk , a squadron,consisting of the Galena, the gun-boat Aroostook , and the double-ender FortRoyal, was sent up the James River on the 8th of May, by direction of thePresident. On the same day a demonstration made by the fleet against the
REAR-ADMIRAL JOHN RODGERS. FROM A PHOTOGRAPH.
battery at Sewell’s Point led theMerrimac to come out again fromthe river. The Monitor had ordersto fall back into fair channel-way,and only engage the Merrimac seri-ously in such a position as to enablethe Minnesota and the other vesselsto run her down if an opportunityoffered. According to Flag-OfficerGoldsborough, “ the Merrimaccame out, but was even more cau-tious than ever. The Monitor waskept well in advance, and so thatthe Merrimac could have engagedher without difficulty had she beenso disposed; but she declined to doit, and soon returned and anchoredunder Sewell’s Point.” Commo-dore Tattnall said:
“ We passed the battery and stood directly for the enemy for the purpose of engaging him,and I thought an action certain, particularly as the Minnesota and Vanderbilt, which wereanchored below Fortress Monroe, got under way and stood up to that point, apparently withthe intention of joining their squadron in the Roads . Before, however, we got within gunshot,the enemy ceased firing and retired with all speed under the protection of the guns of the fort-ress, followed by the Virginia, until the shells from the Rip-Raps passed over her. The Virginia was then placed at her moorings near Sewell’s Point.”
This was the last exploit of the Merrimac. On the 10th, Norfolk was aban-doned, and was immediately occupied by the Union forces under GeneralWool. Early the next morning Commodore Tattnall, being unable to carryout his plan of taking the Merrimac up the James River, destroyed her nearCraney Island. Meantime, the Galena and her consorts under CommanderJohn Rodgers had been working their way up the James River. On the firstday two batteries were encountered. The first, at Rock Wharf, was silenced.The resistance of the second, at Hardin’s Bluff, was more obstinate, but Rod-gers, in the Galena , lay abreast of the enemy’s guns and kept up a steady fire,disconcerting their aim while the wooden boats went by. During the nextweek Rodgers continued on his course up the James, meeting with no seriousimpediment until he arrived at Drewry’s Bluff, eight miles below Richmond .
At this time, May 15th, the flotilla had been increased by the addition of