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Destructive Blow

Merrimac Sinks Another Fed Ship
'The mighty Confederate battle-ship struck again this afternoon, wielding its death blow to the Union frigate, The Congress. Sailing away from its previous victories, The Merrimac spotted 3 Confederate ships dueling with the Union sea-craft. Attacked viciously, the Congress had little defense to offer and was shortly on fire. The crew of the battered ship escaped in small boats and rowed to shore. The Merrimac left its victim and victoriously returned to her seaport, Norfolk. The Congress burned throughout the day and exploded in the evening, leaving little remains of a huge vessel. Confederate officers called the explosion "a burning monument to the South's greatness."'