The ironclad and her consorts attacked from a distance and inflicted great damage on the ship, killing 120, including the commanding officer, Joseph B. Smith. Ablaze in several places and unable to bring guns to bear on the enemy, "Congress" was forced to strike her colors and raise a white flag. Heavy shore batteries prevented "Virginia" from taking possession. Instead she fired several rounds of hot shot (red-hot cannonballs) and incendiary causing "Congress" to burn to the water's edge, and her magazine to explode. Lt. Smith, having been in command at the time, died in the action. Eventually, during the battle, "Congress" sank by the stern.