With the memory of the early days of this war and the shameless in-bedding of our celebrity "reporters" clearly in mind, one thought recurs while pondering a possible diary. On March 9, 1862, a technological breakthrough was achieved: battle between two iron-clad ships, the Monitor and the Merrimack. The history of the two ships is complicated and fascinating. But I lack Raybin's skills, and will merely
point those interested in the right direction.
What I want to call attention to is the response of an excitable writer.
Herman Melville was fascinated with technology, as the casual reader of
Moby Dick can't help but notice. Every detail of whaling is documented there.
All the more interesting then to compare his response to that of the reporters of our age. Far from being impressed, Melville finds a reason to call for an end to war: War's made less grand than peace.
A UTILITARIAN VIEW OF THE MONITOR'S FIGHT
Plain be the phrase, yet apt the verse,
More ponderous than nimble;
For since grimed War here laid aside
His Orient pomp, 'twould ill befit
Overmuch to ply
The rhyme's barbaric cymbal.
Hail to victory without the gaud
Of glory; zeal that needs no fans
Of banners; plain mechanic power
Plied cogently in War now placed --
Where War belongs --
Among the trades and artisans.
Yet this was battle, and intense --
Beyond the strife of fleets heroic;
Deadlier, closer, calm 'mid storm;
No passion; all went on by crank,
Pivot, and screw,
And calculations of caloric.
Needless to dwell; the story's known.
The ringing of those plates on plates
Still ringeth round the world --
The clangour of that blacksmiths' fray.
The anvil-din
Resounds this message from the Fates:
War shall yet be, and to the end;
But war-paint shows the streaks of weather;
War yet shall be, but warriors
Are now but operatives; War's made
Less grand than Peace,
And a singe runs through lace and feather.