"The battle between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (ex USS Merrimack) erupted in Hampton Roads, Virginia, Sunday, March 9, 1862. The day before, the Confederate ironclad ram had destroyed the wooden frigates USS Cumberland and USS Congress. This first engagement between ironclad steam warships represented naval, industrial, technological, and social revolutions during the American Civil War. The dramatic story unfolds through primary accounts of men who lived it."-- Provided by publisher.

Prepare for Serious Work -- Sink Before Surrender -- It Strikes Me There's Something in It -- Not the Slightest Intention of Sinking -- A Matter of the First Necessity -- She Went Down with Colors Flying -- Don't Tell Me Ever Again About Fireworks -- The Most Frightened Man -- With Mutual Fierceness -- Nearly Every Shot Struck -- Epilog: Different Fates -- Different Ironclads.