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What Circumstances Dictated the Monitor's Size and Peculiar
Construction?
- The work on the Merrimac [Virginia] had progressed
so far that no structure of large dimensions could possibly
be completed in time to meet her.
- The well-matured plan of erecting a citadel of considerable
dimensions on the ample deck of the razeed [sic] Merrimac
admitted of a battery of heavy ordnance so formidable that
no vessel of the ordinary type, of small dimensions, could
withstand its fire.
- The battery designed by the naval constructor of the Confederate
States, in addition to the advantage of ample room and numerous
guns, presented a formidable front to an opponent's fire by
being inclined to such a degree that shot would be readily
deflected. Again, the inclined sides, composed of heavy timbers
well braced, were covered with two thicknesses of bar iron,
ingeniously combined, well calculated to resist the spherical
shot peculiar to the Dahlgren and Rodman system of naval ordnance
adopted by the United States Navy.
- The shallow waters on the coast of the Southern States
called for very light draught; hence the upper circumference
of the propeller of the battery would be exposed to the enemy's
fire unless thoroughly protected against shot of heavy caliber.
A difficulty was thus presented which apparently could not
be met by any device which would not seriously impair the
efficiency of the propeller.
- The limited width of the navigable parts of the Southern
rivers and inlets presented an obstacle rendering man¦uvring
[sic] impossible; hence it would not be practicable at all
times to turn the battery so as to present a broadside to
the points to be attacked.
- The accurate knowledge possessed by the adversary of the
distance between the forts on the river banks within range
of his guns, would enable him to point the latter with such
accuracy that unless every part of the sides of the battery
could be made absolutely shot-proof, destruction would be
certain. It may be observed that the accurate knowledge of
range was an advantage in favor of the Southern forts which
placed the attacking steam-batteries at great disadvantage.
- The difficulty of manipulating the anchor within range
of powerful fixed batteries presented difficulties which called
for better protection to the crew of the batteries than any
previously known.
John Ericsson
Century, December 1885
Go to Main Category:
The Revolutionary Union Ironclad Monitor
Go to other documents in this category:
John Ericsson: Life Before the
Monitor
Report on Ironclad Vessels
Development of the Monitor
Description of the USS Monitor -
S.E.E. Edmonds
Naming of the Monitor
Chronology of the USS Monitor
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