six
o'clock
Her loss in men was only two killed and eight wounded ; but two of her guns had the muzzles shot off , the armor was damaged in some places , and most serious of all she had badly twisted her ram in running into the Cumberland . Still it appeared that she was more than a match for the rest of the Federal fleet , and that these must either fly or be destroyed . As the general had given him three days ' leave , Vincent was able to stay to see the close of the affair , and early next morning again rode down to Sewell 's Point , as the Merrimac was to start at daybreak . At six o'clock the ironclad came out from the river and made for the Minnesota , which was still aground . The latter was seen to run up a signal , and the spectators saw an object which they had not before perceived coming out as if to meet the ram . The glasses were directed toward it , and a general exclamation of surprise was heard . `` What is the thing ?