Did Monitor withdraw first at Hampton Roads?

Did Monitor withdraw first, causing Virginia to assume that it had won the battle?

Monitor temporarily moved away after her commander was wounded, but Virginia misread the manoeuvre and had steering difficulties of her own, so neither ship secured a decisive result.

The exchange clarifies a confusing ending rather than awarding the battle to whichever ironclad turned first. Monitor headed toward shallow water after iron splinters injured John Worden's eyes. Virginia interpreted that movement as disablement and again considered attacking Minnesota, but her own steering, ammunition, leak, and steam problems constrained the attempt. Both ships therefore disengaged for different immediate reasons, leaving the celebrated duel unresolved.