Short answers, pulled from the story.
The battle began on the 8th of March 1862 and concluded after engagements lasting through the night of the 9th of March 1862. The CSS Virginia steamed into Hampton Roads on the morning of the 8th of March 1862 to attack Union ships.
Captain Franklin Buchanan commanded the CSS Virginia until he was wounded during the first day of fighting on the 8th of March 1862. Lieutenant Catesby ap Roger Jones assumed command after Buchanan was injured and led the ship for the remainder of the engagement.
The USS Cumberland sank rapidly after being rammed below the waterline by the CSS Virginia on the 8th of March 1862. The sinking resulted in 121 seamen going down with the ship bringing the total casualties to nearly 150 men.
The re-modeled CSS Virginia incorporated ten guns including six smooth-bore Dahlgrens and two Brooke rifles. These weapons included an iron ram fitted to the prow along with armor plating designed to pierce up to eight inches of enemy armor.
The USS Monitor sank early hours on the 31st of December 1862 when it took on water while being towed under high winds. Sixteen crew members went down with the ship as it sank off Cape Hatteras after taking water into its hold.