From Fortress Monroe

Rebel account of the Battle.

FORTRESS MONROE, March 11. – Many of the men belonging to the frigate Cumberland went down with her.  It is impossible to obtain a correct list of the killed, wounded and lost.

Lieut. Elbridge, of the Cumberland has been ordered to the command of the Monitor.

A flag of truce was sent to Craney Island to-day.

The rebel officers say the Merrimac (or as they call her the Virginia) was damaged, but nothing serious.  They admit their loss of several killed and wounded.  Capt. Buchanan who commanded, was seriously wounded in Saturday’s fight.  Capt. Johns commanded her on Sunday.

The Norfolk Day book, of yesterday, gives glowing accounts of the affair, and gives the total rebel loss at 9 killed and 12 wounded.  23 prisoners arrived at Norfolk taken from the Congress.

The Day Book also says the Monitor was seriously injured, and that some of our gun boats were sunk, and reports our loss at 600 to 1200.  The Day Book further adds: “Having accomplished the object for which they made the attack, and having no more material to work upon our vessels returned to the Navy Yard awaiting another opportunity.”

In the Rebel Congress yesterday, the operations of Gen. A. S. Johnson [sic] in Tennessee were discussed.

Mr. Atkins said nearly every member of the Tennessee Legislature signed a petition for his removal from that department.

The Beaufort correspondent of the Norfolk Day Book says that the Nashville is now lying at Morehead City.

One hundred vessels are reported at Hatteras supposed to contain reinforcement for General Burnside.

Ocracoka Inlet is said to be blocked up with stone vessels.

Virginia has been called upon for 40,000 additional troops.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3