Shortly before going aboard U.S.S. Baltimore about 5 A.M. for return trip to Washington, President receives news that Confederates have blown up Merrimac. Baltimore passes spot of destruction off Craney Island and proceeds up Elizabeth River to Norfolk where Lincoln visits for an hour. President spends remainder of day and night on board ship. Chester D. Bradley, "President Lincoln's Campaign against the Merrimac," Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society 51 (Spring 1958):84-85; William E. Baringer, "On Enemy Soil: President Lincoln's Norfolk Campaign," Abraham Lincoln Quarterly 7 (March 1952):24-25.

President telegraphs Gen. Halleck: "Norfolk in our possession, Merrimac blown up, & Monitor & other boats going up James River to Richmond. Be very sure to sustain no reverse in your Department." Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Halleck, 11 May 1862, CW, 5:210.