Then backing off, she opened fire upon her.
For half an hour the crew of the _Cumberland_ fought with great bravery.
The ships lay about three hundred yards apart, and every shot from the _Merrimac_ told on the wooden vessel.

The water was pouring in through the breach.

The shells of the _Merrimac_ crushed in through her side, and at one time set her on fire; but the crew worked their guns until the vessel sank beneath their feet.

Some men succeeded in swimming to land, which was not far distant, others were saved by small boats from the shore, but nearly half of the crew of 400 men were either killed in action or drowned.
The _Merrimac_ now turned her attention to the _Congress_, which was left to fight the battle alone, as the _Minnesota_ had got aground, and the _Roanoke_ and _St.Lawrence_ could not approach near enough to render them assistance from their draught of water.

The _Merrimac_ poured broadside after broadside into her, until the officer in command and many of the crew were killed.