Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1864-11-12
1'he Pirate "FlOrida" Captured by
the "vynuchmssett.o
BosToN, Nov.

The United States steamer Kearsage, Capt.
Winsow, has arrived at this port from St.
Thomas. She brings eight of the crew of
the pirate Florida, captured by the United
States steamer Wachusett, in the bay of SaL
Salvador, Brazil, October 9TH.
Fifty-eight of the crew and twelve officers
were captured, without the loss OF man on
board the Wachusett.
The Wachusett, with the Florida, was to
leave St. Thomas on the Cd instant for the
United States.
LATER.
The following is o brief account of the
circumstances OF the capture of the pirate
Florida
She arrived at Bashia Bay Of San Saliva
dor, on the night of the 7th ult. Captain
Collins having held consultation with his
officers determined to sink the Florida in
Port.
Accordingly about three o'clock the cables
were slipped, and the Wachusett steamed
for the Florida, hitting her on the quarter
without doing her any great injury.
Capt. Collins now called out to those on
| board the pirate to surrender or he would
sink her. This demand was replied to be
the First Lieutenant-"under the circum-
stances surrender
A Howzer was now made fast, the cable
slipped and the Florida towed to sea.
In the malice several pistol shots were
| fired, and accidentally two guns from the
Wachusett. Captain Morris and wolf, sot
the Florida's crew were ashore on liberty.
The Florida was taken completely by sur
prise. Seventy Of her men, it was known
being on shore, and the Others just coming
aboard were asleep and intoxicated.
The blow given the Florida by the Wa
chusetts carried away the mizzen mast and
main yard, which tell on the awning pre-
venting any OF her crew from getting up
from below. So unconscious was the officer
Of the deck of the intention of the Wuchu-
sets Captain that he sang out ''you will
run into US if you don't take care ~ at the
same time calling for light. Twelve Off
GERS and titty-eight men OF the Florida were
to leave on the 2d inst.
Official announcement of the Capture ef The
Florida.
DISPATCHES TO SECRETARY WELLES
WAsHISGToS, Nov. s.
The following dispatches were to day re-
ceived by the Navy Department announcing
the capture Of the Florida
BosroS, Nov. Z.
To tie Hon. Gideon Welles, Secre, sry Of
the Navy:
have the honor to report the arrival o.
the s. steamer Kearsarge off Scituate from
the Roads.
We left the wachusetts and Florida a,
St. Thomas.
The Florida was captured at the harbo
of Bahia, by the Wachusett, on October 7
We bring rs prisoners and one office
!, from the Florida,
(Signedl GEO. A. WINSLOW,
Commander,
ST.. THOMAS, w. l., Oct. 81, via BosroN, 7
Hon Gideon Welles:
SIR Il have the honor to report the ar
rival here of this ship, with the reLel stea
; mer Florida in company.
The Florida with SO men and II officer
was captured about o'clock on the morn
ing of October 7th, in the Bay of San Saliva
' dor, by the officers and crew of this vessel
without loss of life
) Five of the officers, including her com
mandcr and the remainder of her crew, wer
I on shore.
The Florida had her mizzen mast ant
main yard carried away, and her bulwark
cut down. This vessel sustained no injury
A detailed report will be handed to go
by Paymaster w. w. Williams.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant
|, N. w. COLLINS,
.. Commander L. S. Sloop Wachusett: