She was the second ship of the Navy to be named for the Merrimack River .
Merrimack was launched by the Boston Navy Yard 15 June 1855 ; sponsored by Miss Mary E. Simmons ; and commissioned 20 February 1856 , Captain Garrett J. Pendergrast in command .
Mary E. Simmons was the second ship of the Navy to be named for the Merrimack River .
Merrimack was launched by the Boston Navy Yard 15 June 1855 ; sponsored by Miss Mary E. Simmons ; and commissioned 20 February 1856 , Captain Garrett J. Pendergrast in command .