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that she might have been taken up the
James to a point of safety, where she could still have barred the ascent of the river; and that then and there, if the worst ensued, was the time to decide upon the disposition to he made of the vessel.
The destruction of the
Virginia left the
James River open for the enemy's operations.
The
Galena, the
Aroostook, the Monitor,
Port Royal, and Naugatuck, steamed up the river on the 15th of May, under the command of
Commodore Rodgers, and without opposition advanced within twelve miles of
Richmond.
Here was a half-finished fort at what was called
Drewry's Bluff, mounting four guns.
The river at this point was also obstructed by a double line of piles and sunken vessels, and the banks were lined with sharpshooters.
It was a feeble barrier to
Richmond; the protection of the river had been entrusted to the
Virginia; and yet the fort proved a success, owing to the defect of the enemy's gunboats.
The
Galena and Monitor approached within six hundred yards of the batteries, but the guns of the latter proved useless, as they could not be elevated sufficiently to reach the work constructed on the bluff.
The armour of the
Galena was badly injured, and this river monster lost thirty of her crew in killed and wounded.
Notwithstanding, the engagement continued for upwards of four hours, when the gunboats were repulsed.
The Confederate loss was five killed and seven wounded. This action was considered as proving that earthworks could not be reduced by gunboats, and decided the question for the enemy that the capture of
Drewry's Bluff, and the water approach to
Richmond were impracticable without the aid of a land force.
The possession of the
James River below
Drewry's Bluff was of but little present advantage to
McClellan, as his base of supplies was on the
Pamunkey, from which point there was rail communication to
Richmond.
He had advanced within sight of the spires of the
Confederate capital.
The investment of the line of the
Chickahominy brought the two armies face to face within a few miles of
Richmond, and opened one of the grandest scenes of the war, exhibiting the strength and splendour of the opposing hosts, and appealing to the eye with every variety of picturesque effect.
For nearly a year an immense labour had been expended upon the fortifications of
Richmond.
Earthworks of magnitude arose on every side.
They were constructed in different shapes, to suit the conformation of the ground; they swept all the roads, crowned every hillock, and mounds of red earth could be seen in striking contrast with the rich green of the landscape.
Redoubts, rifle-pits, casemate batteries, horn works, and enfilading
