Delaware State journal and statesman., 1864-11-11
CAPTURE OF TIE pIRArE FLORIDA.

BosroN, Nov. S-The United States steamer
Kedisarge, which arrived late last night, has a.
passengers W. W. Williams, Assistant PaymasteI
Of the United States steamer Wdchuseii, bearer
VI dispatches detailing the circumstances attend
ing the capture Of the pirate Florida. 10 the
port Of Bahia Brazil. She also brings as priso-
uers Of war the chief engineer and waterman Of
the Alabama, and the surgeon and sixteen men
Of the Florida.
The Keatsarge left 81, Thomas on the evening
Of the 3lst ult The Wachusett was in port
waiting for coal, and the Florida was outside.
THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CAPTuRe.
The following is brief account OF the cironm
stances Of the capture of the pirate Florida. -
She arrived at Bahia Bay, off San Salvador, on
the night Of the 7ih mt.:--
Captain Collins having held q consultation
with his officers, determined to sink the Florida
in port. Accordingly about three o'clock the
cables were slipped, and lhe Waohusett steered
for the Florida, hitting her on the quarter
without doing any great injury.
Captain Collins now called out ito those on
board the pirate to surrender, or he would sink
her. This demand was replied to by tue First
Lieutenant, 'under the circumstances, sur
render |" A hawser was now made fast, the
cable slipped, and the Florida toWed to sea. In
the melee several pistol shots were fired, aud
accidentally two guns from the Waehueett.
Captain Morris and half the Florida's crew
we're ashore on Liberty. No lives were lest The
Florida was taken completely by surprise,
seventy Of her men, il was known. being on
tbOre. The others having just come aboard,
acre ssleep and intoxicated.
The blow given the Florida by the Wachuseit
carried away the mszeu mast and main yard,
which fell on the awning, preventing any Of her
crew from getting up from below.
30 unconscious was the officer OF the deck Of
the intention Of the Waohusetta Captain, that
be sang out, "Y0u will run into us il you don't
take care" at the same time calling for light
Twelve officers and thirty-eight Of the
Florda's crew we're captured. Tho Wachusett
and Florida were TO leave 81. Thomas on the 2nd
instant, for New York.
The barque MondamOn, from Rio, was cap
tuFed by tho Florida off PernambuoO, about
September 18th, aud was burned. This was the
only American vessel captured by the Florida
since her departure from Teneriffe.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE CAPTURE.
Tho following dispatches have been received
BY the Navy Department, announcing the cap
ture Of the Florida
pESPATCH FROM COMMANDER WINSL0W.
BosrOa, Nov. 7, lsG4.-Ilon. Gideon weles,
Secretary Of the Nayy-Sir-I have the honor
10 report the arrival OF the United States stea-
mer Kearsarge OF scituate from the Hooas. We
lsn tho wachusett and Florida at St. Thomas,-
The Florida was eiptured at the hatbor Of Bahia
by the Wachnsett on October Z. We bring six
teen prisoners and one officer from the Florida
(signed) JouS A. WfNsLOw, COmmanding.
DESPATCH FROM COMMODORE COLLINS.
pr THOMAS, W. l., Oct. 81. via BosrON, Nov.
Hon. Gideon Welles--Sir IL nave the
honor to report the arrival Aere Of this ship,
with the Rebel steamer Florida In company -
The Florida, with ffiy-elght men and twelve
officers, was captured about three O'Clock in the
morning oil October 7th in the bay Of San Saliva
dor, Brazil by the officers and crew Of this ves-
vel, without loss Of life. Five OF the officers in
cludng her commander aud the remainder OF
Der crew, were on shore. The Florida had her
nainmast and mainyard carried away and her
bulWarks cut down. This vessel sustained no
injury. detailed report will he handed 10 you
by Psymaster W. W. WILLIAMS.
Very respectfully, your obedent servant,
N. COLLINS,
Commander U. s. steam-slOOp WachuseIL