---
title: F. Buchanan's Account of the Battle of Hampton Roads: Excerpts From the Official Action Report
author: Joshua J. Mark
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/3019/f-buchanans-account-of-the-battle-of-hampton-roads/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 2026-11-06
---
# F. Buchanan's Account of the Battle of Hampton Roads: Excerpts From the Official Action Report
_Authored by [Joshua J. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/JPryst/)_
Confederate Flag Officer Franklin Buchanan (1800 to 1874) is best known as the commander of the CSS *Virginia* on the first day of the [Battle of Hampton Roads](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/3023/battle-of-hampton-roads/) (8-9 March 1862) and the commander of the fleet (as full admiral) at the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Mobile Bay (5 August 1864), facing Union Rear Admiral David G. Farragut.
[  Captain Franklin Buchanan Mathew Brady (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22317/captain-franklin-buchanan/ "Captain Franklin Buchanan")Buchanan was wounded in the thigh toward the end of the Battle of Hampton Roads on 8 March and so did not command the CSS *Virginia* against the USS *Monitor* on the 9th, when it was commanded by Lt. Catesby ap Roger Jones.
Even so, as commanding officer at the engagement, it was Buchanan's responsibility to file a battle report, which he did from his hospital bed in Norfolk, Virginia, on 27 March 1862. Buchanan's report has since become a significant primary source on the Battle of Hampton Roads.
### Franklin Buchanan
Franklin Buchanan was born 13 September 1800 in Baltimore, Maryland, and joined the US Navy in 1815, rising through the ranks to lieutenant in 1825, commander in 1841, and captain in 1855. In 1835, he married Ann Catherine Lloyd, and the couple would have nine children.
He had a distinguished career in the Navy, serving in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) and in the [Mexican-American War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mexican-American_War/), and encouraging the establishment of the Naval School in 1845 (which would become the United States Naval Academy in 1850), serving as its first superintendent between 1845 and 1847.
After Virginia decided to leave the Union on 17 April 1861, Buchanan expected Maryland to follow suit and resigned his commission on 22 April 1861 out of loyalty to his home state. When Maryland voted to remain in the Union, Buchanan tried to take his resignation back but was rejected by US Secretary of the Navy [Gideon](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gideon/) Welles, who considered him a traitor.
Buchanan joined the Confederate Navy as a captain on 5 September 1861, was a Flag Officer by February 1862, and was promoted to full admiral in August 1862 (the only full admiral in the Confederate Navy). Taken prisoner at the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864, Buchanan sat out the rest of the [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) as he was only exchanged in February 1865.
He returned to Maryland, where he died of natural causes at his home in Talbot County on 11 May 1874. Buchanan was so highly thought of that three US Navy destroyers were named in his honor, and the superintendent's quarters at the US Naval Academy was known as the Buchanan House until 2023, when it was renamed in honor of David Farragut.
[  The Monitor and the Merrimack Louis Prang & Co. (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/22309/the-monitor-and-the-merrimack/ "The Monitor and the Merrimack")### Text
The following excerpt is taken from the article *Official Report from Flag Officer Franklin Buchanan, CSA* on the American Battlefield Trust website. The account was first published in *Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion* (1898), Series I, Volume 7. The full text is given below except for the list of commendations toward the end.
> **NAVAL HOSPITAL,
> Norfolk, March 27, 1862.**
> SIR: Having been confined to my bed in this building since the 9th instant, in consequence of a wound received in the action of the previous day, I have not had it in my power at an earlier date to prepare the official report, which I now have the honor to submit, of the proceedings on the 8th and 9th instant, of the James River Squadron under my command, composed of the following-named vessels:
> Steamer *Virginia*, flagship, 10 guns; steamer *[Patrick Henry](https://www.worldhistory.org/Patrick_Henry/)*, 12 guns, Commander John R. Tucker; steamer *[Jamestown](https://www.worldhistory.org/Jamestown_Colony_of_Virginia/)*, Lieutenant Commanding J. N. Barney, 2 guns; and gunboats *Teaser*, Lieutenant Commanding W. A. Webb, *Beaufort*, Lieutenant Commanding W. H. Parker, and *Raleigh*, Lieutenant Commanding J. W. [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/), each 1 gun; total, 27 guns.
> On the 8th instant, at 11 a. m., the *Virginia* left navy yard, Norfolk, accompanied by the *Raleigh* and *Beaufort*, and proceeded to Newport News to engage the enemy's frigates *Cumberland* and *Congress*, gunboats, and shore batteries.
> When within less than a mile of the *Cumberland*, the *Virginia* commenced the engagement with that ship with her bow gun, and the action soon became general, the *Cumberland*, *Congress*, gunboats, and shore batteries concentrating upon us their heavy fire, which was returned with great spirit and determination.
> The *Virginia* stood rapidly on toward the *Cumberland*, which ship I had determined to sink with our prow, if possible. In about fifteen minutes after the action commenced, we ran into her on starboard bow; the crash below the water was distinctly heard, and she commenced sinking, gallantly fighting her guns as long as they were above water. She went down with her colors flying.
> During this time the shore batteries, *Congress*, and gunboats kept up their heavy concentrated fire upon us, doing us some injury. Our guns, however, were not idle; their fire was very destructive to the shore batteries and vessels, and we were gallantly sustained by the rest of the squadron.
> Just after the *Cumberland* sunk, that gallant officer, Commander John R. Tucker, was seen standing down James River under full steam, accompanied by the *Jamestown* and *Teaser*. They all came nobly into action and were soon exposed to the heavy fire of shore batteries.
> Their escape was miraculous, as they were under a galling fire of solid shot, shell, grape, and canister, a number of which passed through the vessels without doing any serious injury, except to the *Patrick Henry*, through whose boiler a shot passed, scalding to [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) four persons and wounding others.
> Lieutenant Commanding Barney promptly obeyed a signal to tow her out of the action. As soon as damages were repaired, the *Patrick Henry* returned to her station and continued to perform good service during the remainder of that day and the following.
> Having sunk the *Cumberland*, I turned our attention to the *Congress*. We were some time in getting our proper position, in consequence of the shoalness of the water and the great difficulty of managing the ship when in or near the mud.
> To succeed in my object, I was obliged to run the ship a short distance above the batteries on the James River, in order to wind her. During all the time her keel was in the mud; of course, she moved slowly. Thus, we were subjected twice to the heavy guns of all the batteries in passing up and down the river, but it could not be avoided.
> We silenced several of the batteries and did much injury on shore. A large transport steamer alongside of the wharf was blown up, one schooner sunk, and another captured and sent to Norfolk. The loss of life on shore we have no means of ascertaining.
> While the *Virginia* was thus engaged in getting her position for attacking the *Congress*, the prisoners state it was believed on board that ship that we had hauled off; the men left their guns and gave three cheers. They were soon sadly undeceived, for a few minutes after we opened on her again, she having run on shore in shoal water. The carnage, havoc, and dismay caused by our fire compelled them to haul down their colors and to hoist a white flag at their gaff and half-mast another at the main.
> The crew instantly took to their boats and landed. Our fire immediately ceased, and a signal was made for the *Beaufort* to come within hail. I then ordered Lieutenant Commanding Parker to take possession of the *Congress*, secure the officers as prisoners, allow the crew to land, and burn the ship.
> He ran alongside, received her flag and surrender from Commander William Smith and Lieutenant Pendergrast, with the side arms of those officers. They delivered themselves as prisoners of war on board the *Beaufort*, and afterward were permitted, at their own request, to return to the *Congress* to assist in removing the wounded to the *Beaufort*.
> They never returned, and I submit to the decision of the Department whether they are not our prisoners. While the *Beaufort* and *Raleigh* were alongside the *Congress*, and the surrender of that vessel had been received from the commander, she having two white flags flying hoisted by her own people, a heavy fire was opened on them from the shore and from the *Congress*, killing some valuable officers and men.
> Under this fire, the steamers left the *Congress*, but as I was not informed that any injury had been sustained by those vessels at that time, Lieutenant Commanding Parker having failed to report to me, I took it for granted that my order to him to burn her had been executed and waited some minutes to see the smoke ascending her hatches. During this delay we were still subjected to the heavy fire from the batteries, which was always promptly returned.
> The steam frigates *Minnesota* and *Roanoke* and the sailing frigate *St. Lawrence* had previously been reported as coming from Old Point, but as I was determined that the *Congress* should not again fall into the hands of the enemy, I remarked to that gallant officer Flag-Lieutenant Minor, "That ship must be burned." He promptly volunteered to take a boat and burn her, and the *Teaser*, Lieutenant Commanding Webb, was ordered to cover the boat.
> Lieutenant Minor had scarcely reached within 50 yards of the *Congress* when a deadly fire was opened upon him, wounding him severely and several of his men. On witnessing this vile treachery, I instantly recalled the boat and ordered the *Congress* destroyed by hot shot and incendiary shell.
> About this period, I was disabled and transferred the command of the ship to that gallant, intelligent officer, Lieutenant Catesby Jones, with orders to fight her as long as the men could stand to their guns.
> The ships from Old Point opened their fire upon us. The *Minnesota* grounded in the north channel, where, unfortunately, the shoalness of the channel prevented our near approach. We continued, however, to fire upon her until the pilots declared that it was no longer safe to remain in that position, and we accordingly returned by the south channel (the middle ground being necessarily between the *Virginia* and *Minnesota*, and *St. Lawrence* and the *Roanoke* having retreated under the guns of Old Point), and again had an opportunity of opening upon the *Minnesota*, receiving her heavy fire in return, and shortly afterwards upon the *St. Lawrence*, from which vessel we also received several broadsides.
> It had by this time become dark and we soon after anchored off Sewell's Point. The rest of the squadron followed our movements, with the exception of the *Beaufort*, Lieutenant Commanding Parker, who proceeded to Norfolk with the wounded and prisoners as soon as he had left the *Congress*, without reporting to me.
> The *Congress*, having been set on fire by our hot shot and incendiary shell, continued to burn, her loaded guns being successively discharged as the flames reached them, until a few minutes past midnight, when her magazine exploded with a tremendous report.
> The facts above stated as having occurred after I had placed the ship in charge of Lieutenant Jones were reported to me by that officer.
> At an early hour next morning (the 9th), upon the urgent solicitations of the surgeons, Lieutenant Minot and myself were very reluctantly taken on shore. The accommodations for the proper treatment of wounded persons on board the *Virginia* are exceedingly limited, Lieutenant Minor and myself occupying the only space that could be used for that purpose, which was in my cabin.
> I therefore consented to our being landed on Sewell's Point, thinking that the room on board vacated by us could be used for those who might be wounded in the renewal of the action. In the course of the day, Lieutenant Minor and myself were sent in a steamer to the hospital at Norfolk.
> The following is an extract from the report of Lieutenant Jones of the proceedings of the *Virginia* on the 9th:
> At daylight on the 9th, we saw that the *Minnesota* was still ashore, and that there was an iron battery near her. At 8 \[o'clock\] we ran down to engage them (having previously sent the killed and wounded out of the ship), firing at the *Minnesota* and occasionally at the iron battery. The pilots did not place us as near as they expected. The great length and draft of the ship rendered it exceedingly difficult to work her. We ran ashore about a mile from the frigate and were backing fifteen minutes before we got off.
> We continued to fire at the *Minnesota*, and blew up a steamer alongside of her, and we also engaged the *Monitor*, sometimes at very close quarters. We once succeeded in running into her, and twice silenced her fire. The pilots declaring that we could get no nearer the *Minnesota*, and believing her to be entirely disabled, and the *Monitor* having to run into shoal water, which prevented our doing her any further injury, we ceased firing at 12 \[o'clock\] and proceeded to Norfolk.
> Our loss is 2 killed and 19 wounded. The stem is twisted and the ship leaks. We have lost the prow, starboard anchor, and all the boats. The armor is somewhat damaged; the steampipe and smokestack both riddled; the muzzles of two of the guns shot away. It was not easy to keep a flag flying. The flagstaffs were repeatedly shot away. The colors were hoisted to the smokestack and several times cut down from it.
> The bearing of the men was all that could be desired; their enthusiasm could scarcely be restrained. During the action they cheered again and again. Their coolness and skill were the more remarkable from the fact that the great majority of them were under fire for the first time. They were strangers to each other and to the officers and had but a few days' instruction in the management of the great guns. To the skill and example of the officers is this result in no small degree attributable. \[Here ends Jones' report and Buchanan resumes\]
> Having thus given a full report of the actions on the 8th and 9th, I feel it due to the gallant officers who so nobly sustained the honor of the flag and country on those days to express my appreciation of their conduct.
> To that brave and intelligent officer Lieutenant Catesby Jones, the executive and ordnance officer of the *Virginia*, I am greatly indebted for the success achieved. His constant attention to his duties in the equipment of the ship; his intelligence in the instruction of ordnance to the crew, as proved by the accuracy and effect of their fire, some of the guns having been personally directed by him; his tact and management in the government of raw recruits; his general knowledge of the executive duties of a man-of-war, together with his high-toned bearing, were all eminently conspicuous, and had their fruits in the admirable efficiency of the *Virginia*.
> If conduct such as his (and I do not know that I have used adequate language in describing it) entitles an officer to promotion, I see in the case of Lieutenant Jones one in all respects worthy of it. As flag-officer I am entitled to someone to perform the duties of flag-captain, and I should be proud to have Lieutenant Jones ordered to the *Virginia* as lieutenant-commander, if it be not the intention of the Department to bestow upon him a higher rank… \[here, further commendations follow for others\].
> While in the act of closing this report I received the communication of the Department, dated 22nd instant, relieving me temporarily of the command of the squadron for the naval defenses of James River. I feel honored in being relieved by the gallant Flag-Officer Tattnall.
> I much regret that I am not now in a condition to resume my command, but trust that I shall soon be restored to health, when I shall be ready for any duty that may be assigned to me.
> Very respectfully,
> FRANKLIN BUCHANAN,
> Flag-Officer.
#### Editorial Review
This human-authored article has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).
## Bibliography
- [American Battlefield Trust/Battle of Hampton Roads Report by Flag Officer Franklin Buchanan, CSA](https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/battle-hampton-roads-flag-officer-franklin-buchanan-csa "American Battlefield Trust/Battle of Hampton Roads Report by Flag Officer Franklin Buchanan, CSA"), accessed 30 Oct 2026.
- [American Battlefield Trust/Franklin Buchanan](https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/franklin-buchanan "American Battlefield Trust/Franklin Buchanan"), accessed 30 Oct 2026.
- [Ericson, M. *The Civil War in Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks.* The History Press, 2026.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1467156779/)
- [Taylor, A. *American Civil Wars: A Continental History, 1850-1873.* W. W. Norton & Company, 2024.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B01K3KGFLO/)
## About the Author
Joshua J. Mark is World History Encyclopedia's co-founder and Content Director. He was previously a professor at Marist College (NY) where he taught history, philosophy, literature, and writing. He has traveled extensively and lived in Greece and Germany.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/pub/joshua-j-mark/38/614/339)
## Questions & Answers
### Who was Franklin Buchanan?
Confederate Flag Officer Franklin Buchanan was the first commander of the CSS Virginia on the first day of the Battle of Hampton Roads on 8 March 1862. He is also famous for commanding the Confederate fleet at the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864 and for being the first superintendent of the Naval School prior to the American Civil War.
### What is Franklin Buchanan best known for?
Franklin Buchanan is best known today as the first commander of the Confederate ironclad warship CSS Virginia on the first day of the Battle of Hampton Roads.
### How was Franklin Buchanan wounded at Hampton Roads?
Franklin Buchanan was wounded in the thigh by a sharpshooter while standing on top of the CSS Virginia as it engaged with the USS Congress. He then turned over command to Lt. Jones, who commanded the Virginia against the USS Monitor on 9 March 1862.
### How did Franklin Buchanan die?
Franklin Buchanan died of natural causes at this home in Talbot County, Maryland, on 11 May 1874.
## External Links
- [American Battlefield Trust/Hampton Roads Battle Facts and Summary ](https://www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/hampton-roads)
- [American Battlefield Trust/Franklin Buchanan](https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/franklin-buchanan)
- [US Naval Institute/Franklin Buchanan: A Study in Divided Loyalties By Oretha D. Swartz](https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1962/december/franklin-buchanan-study-divided-loyalties)
- [Naval History and Heritage Command/Franklin Buchanan](https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/us-people/b/buchanan-franklin.html)
## Cite This Work
### APA
Mark, J. J. (2026, November 06). F. Buchanan's Account of the Battle of Hampton Roads: Excerpts From the Official Action Report. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Mark, Joshua J.. "F. Buchanan's Account of the Battle of Hampton Roads: Excerpts From the Official Action Report." *World History Encyclopedia*, November 06, 2026. .
### MLA
Mark, Joshua J.. "F. Buchanan's Account of the Battle of Hampton Roads: Excerpts From the Official Action Report." *World History Encyclopedia*, 06 Nov 2026, .
## License & Copyright
Submitted by [Joshua J. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/JPryst/ "User Page: Joshua J. Mark"), published on 06 November 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.