The battle between the Merrimack and the monitor showed that

Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack, also called Battle of Hampton Roads, (March 9, 1862), in the American Civil War, naval engagement at Hampton Roads, Virginia, a harbour at the mouth of the James River, notable as history's first duel between ironclad warships and the beginning of a new era of naval warfare.

definitely a for sure. ill see and update if i get the answer

your mothers brothers brother in law would be your father.