The Sun.
London, England, 1863-07-08 00:00:00

A PRIZE OFFERED.

Boston, June 25.—The underwriters and mer-
chants, at a meeting held to-day, decided to offer a
bonus of 10,000 dole. for the capture of the Florida
No. 2, and will dispatch an armed vessel in pursuit
to-morrow or next day.

ARRIVAL AT THIS PORT OF THE
SCHOONER FLORENCE.
The schooner Florence, (fishing), of Gloucester,
Capt. Gardner, arrived at this port last night, from
a short cruise off Nantucket, and reports, on the
the 22d inst., at 5 p m., while on the banks, was
boarded by the privateer Tacony and bonded, on
condition that she would receive on board the cap-
tain and crew of the ship Byzantium, Capt. Robin-
son, of the bark Good Speed, Capt. Dunton, which
vessels were captured previously and burned. Capt.
Gardner consented and brought them safely to port.
We subjoin the statements of the captains of the
Byzantium and Good Speed.
STATEMENT OF CAPT. 'ROBINSON, OF SHIP BYZANTIUM.
Sailed from London May 15, bound to New York. On
June 20, lat. 41 30, long. 65 30, was spoken by United States
gunboat Blackstone, in search of a bark-rigged privateer.
June 21, 30 miles E.S.E. from Nantucket lightboat, about
4 a.m., being hazy and nearly calm, saw a bark close along-
side, who hoisted the American ensign, and then fired a gun
not shotted. In a few moments she fired a shell close to
the ship. I then discovered her character, and finding it
impossible to escape, hove to. He then sent an waned boat
alongside, when the officer in charge came on board and
informed me that my vessel was a prize to the Confederate
States, and allowed me 15 minutes to take what things I
could and go on board the bark with my crew and my own
boats. After arriving on beard,. my crew were ordered
down in the hold, when the captain requested me to make
myself comfortable while I remained on board the privateer.
In 30 minutes the Byzantium was in flames, when the pri-
vateer stood to southward.
.At 11 a.m. saw two barks
ahead, one with the English ensign and the other American.
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south-east ; captured schooner Marengo and set her on fire.
At 5 p.m., fog lifted, and then saw 12 fishing vessels. Took
the schooner Florence, Capt. Gardner, and bonded the ves-
sel, releasing her on condition to take the prisoners on board
to New York. We were then sent on board the Florence,
while the privateer's boat went in chase of others. The
fishing vessels, seeing the bark and one vessel alongside,
supposed it to be a prize, and came right to the bark. At
9 p.m. three of them were on fire, viz., Elizabeth Ann,
Capt. Thomas ; Rufus Choate, Smith ; Ripple, Gearing.
We had then 76 parolled men on board the Florence. At
9i a blue light was burning, and we were allowed to proceed
toNewYork, Wind at the timeW.N.W ~ light. Capt. Read,
of the privateer, expressed that he did not seek to destroy
the fishing vessels, but having drifted among them, deemed
it his duty to burn them.
STATEMENT OF CAPT. DUNTON, OF BARK GOOD SPEED.
Sailed from Londonderry, May 20, for New York. No-
thing of interest transpired during the passage until the
morning of the 21st inst., being 40 miles southeast from
Nantucket. At 9 a.m. saw a bark, with English ensign
flying; stood for him—the wind was lightVl from north-east,
and foggy—spoke to him and gave him his longitude.
Shortly after saw a sail standing to the South,. and after
some time discovered the American flag flying, apparently
requiring assistance, it being nearly calm. I rounded to,
and he at the same time hove to, and sent his boat with
armed men on board. I was then informed that my vessel
was a prize to the Confederates, and to take a bag of clothes
and go on board the bark. I took what I could get, and
proceeded on board the bark, which proved to be the Tawny