In this remarkable view of the "Monitor's" turret, taken in July, 1862, is
seen as clearly as on the day after the great battle the effect of the
Confederate fire upon Ericsson's novel craft. As the two vessels
approached each other about half-past eight on that immortal Sunday
morning, the men within the turret waited anxiously for the first shot of
their antagonist. It soon came from her bow gun and went wide of the mark.
The "Virginia" no longer had the broadside of a wooden ship at which to
aim. Not until the "Monitor" was alongside the big ironclad at close range
came the order "Begin firing" to the men in the "cheese box." Then the
gun-ports of the turret were triced back, and it began to revolve for the
first time in battle. As soon as the guns were brought to bear, two
11-inch solid shot struck the "Virginia's" armor; almost immediately she
replied with her broadside, and Lieutenant Greene and his gunners listened
anxiously to the shells bursting against their citadel. They made no more
impression than is apparent in the picture. Confident in the protection of
their armor, the Federals reloaded with a will and came again and again to
close quarters with their adversary, hurling two great projectiles about
every eight minutes.
[Illustration: MEN ON THE "MONITOR" WHO FOUGHT WITH WORDEN