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The "Monitor" and "Merrimac" fight, the most famous naval battle of the Civil War, occurring March 8-9, 1862. March 8 the Confederate iron-clad "Merrimac," commanded by Franklin Buchanan, was sent to raise the blockade of James and Elizabeth rivers by destroying the Union war-vessels. The Union frigate "Cumberland"` was utterly destroyed and sunk by the "Merrimac,"` which next, aided by three wooden Confederate steamers, attacked and burned the "Congress." March 9 the "Monitor," a Union iron-clad of a new type, appeared, and a fight of four hours followed. Captain Worden, of the "Monitor," was temporarily blinded and Lieutenant Greene took command. The "Merrimac" was finally compelled to withdraw.