The Portland daily press., 1864-03-16
Commander George Henry PrebIe.

1t may not be known to all our readers that
Commander George Henry Preble, who was
dismissed from the service, under what many
persons have supposed was misapprehension
of the facts, for allowing the British Steamer
Ovita 10 run the blockade at Mobile, has been
fully restored to his rank in the navy, and his
pay continued the same as though he'had re-
manned in the service.
This is simple act of justice honorable
alike to the Government and Commander
Preble, and exceedingly gratifying to his
many friends In this his native city, and in
various other portions of the country.
Below we give the proceedings of the Sem
ate in relation to the case, while we congratu-
late the navy that il retains the services of a
brave and accomplished officer:
SENATE PROCEEDINGS.
Mr. Hale. move that the Senate take up
for consideration the bill for the relief of
George Henry Preble, a Commander in the
Navy of the United States. 1t will take but
moment.
The motion was agreed to, and the bill was
read a second time, aud considered as in COM
mittee OF the whole. 1t directs the proper
accounting officers Of the Treasury, In set
ting the accounts of Geo. Henry Preble, a
commander in the Navy of the United States,
TO allow him pay as Commander from the
10th OF July, 1862, in the same way and man
ner as If the order dscharging him from the
Naval service had neuer been issued.
Mr.. Hale There is report accompanying
the bill, which is very short. Let that be read
and / will have nothing more to say.
The Secretary read the report from the
Committee on Naval affairs, from which it
appears that the petitioner alleges that being
an officer in the Navy on the 9th of August,
1862, he was promoted to his present rank to
date from the 10th day of the preceding July;
that the Senate on the 2lst oil the next Feb
ruary, confirmed him as such Commander.
He further alleges that while he was on
duty, on the 18th of October, 1852, he received
ofic ial notice by letter from the Navy De-
partnent, dated Sept. goth, 1852, that be was
dismissed from the naval service; and that he
remained in that situation until he was, on
the 21st of February, 1868, confirmed as
Commander by the Senate, and nomination of
the President made GU the 18th of the same
month. Under the circumstances, he pIays
that he may be allowed pay as a Commander
afloat, from the 10th of July, 1852, to the 18th
OF Oct. In the same year, aud of a Commander
waiting orders from the latter date TO the 2lst
of February, 1868, when he was confirmed in
his present office by the Senate. The facts
alleged In the petition the committee find on
reference to the official records of the Govern
ment to be true.
The nomination of Commander Preble,
made by the President on the 18th of Februa-
~, 1868, TO take rank from the 18th Of July
previous the precise time from which his for
mer appointment was TO date, and its subse-
quent confirmation by the Senate, on the 2lst
of the same month, In the opinion of the Com
mittee, had the effect, and was manifestly de-
signed TO have the effect of putting him pre-
cisely where he would have been If the order
OF the Navy Department Of Sept, both, 1862,
discharging him from the Naval Service, had
never been issued, and mnst be considered and
taken to be full revocation OF that order, and
a condemnation of any real or supposed
oGense, or delinquency on his part, subse-
quent to the period from which his commission
was TO entitle him to the rank. Under these
circumstances the Committee are Of the opin-
ion that the prayer OF the petitioner is just
aud reasonable aud ought TO be granted. The
bill was report to the Senate without amend
ment, ordered TO be engrossed for a third
reading, read the third time, and passed.