November 27, 1861 (Tuesday): "Even Into Washington".

C. S. S. Virginia-U. S. Navy Art Collection, Washington, D. C.

NORFOLK, November 27, 1861. 

Honorable JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President of the Confederate States:
DEAR SIR: Will you pardon my zeal in suggesting that if the Merimac should prove a success in Hampton Roads she be immediately sent up the Potomac. She might capture or destroy everything of the enemy afloat in that river, and might, if her draft would allow, destroy (or take) the Washington Navy-Yard and the valuable work-shops of the enemy in sight of the Federal President and Congress. She might also be able to get near enough to the Long Bridge to destroy it, if desirable, and might throw shells into Arlington Heights, &c. If our troops were to attempt to cross the river she could cover their landing almost anywhere, even into Washington.
Yours, respectfully and truly, 


A. F. LEONARD.


P. S.-Let her be on the lookout for torpedoes of the enemy in Hampton Roads. 

Official Records, Series I. Vol. 52, Part 2, Page 391.

Correspondence from private citizens finds its way into the O.R.  In this instance a citizen suggests sending the ironclad to Washington and advises of the dangers of mines (torpedoes).  There was fear in the Union of a run up to Washington, but it was not a realistic one.  It took until October to gather the iron for the casemate and test firings revealed a need for additional armor, the last of which would be applied in late January.  The added weight meant the Virginia (Merrimac) would have a top speed of only 4 knots.  In addition, the ship would be incapable of making quick turns and have poor sea keeping qualities.  Although envisioned as a sea going gun platform, it was soon realized long voyages would be out of the question.