New-York tribune., 1885-03-02
OBITUARY..
REAR-ADMlRAL GEORGE IT, PREBIE.
BOsTON, March 1.-Rear Admiral George
II. Preble. u. g. NJ died suddenly to-day.

George Henry PrebIe was born in Portland Me-, In
1916 He was nephew OF Commodore Preble, who al
the beginning OF the century broke the power OF the
Barbary pirates at the Siege OF Trpo The memory oil
his uncls's gallant exploits was still a force In
the Navy when, in 1885, young Prebe, at the
age OF nineteen became midshipnan and
the next spring sent out TO Europe In
the frgatc United States From the European station
ho was sent to cruise West Indies In 1871, he
turned his native land and at the Naval school, which
had been established at Philadelphia. received his war
rant "a passed. .midshipmen. From August, lsil, to
August 1912. Midshpman Preble was actinglieutenant
OF the schooner Madison and brgantne Jefferson on the
Florida expedition. While there he went on several
canoe expeditions into the Everglades. and contracting
swamp fever, was obliged to return home sick. After
serving awhile the receiving ship Ohio, at Boston, he
went out acngnaster on the sloopof-war ST. Louis
or this ship lie subsequently became acting ngieuenant
and her the globe While on this cruise
he had. in ls4i command OF the first American armed
force ever landed la China With his blue-jackets and
marines he landed at Canton and protected the American
foreign residents OF the city from the
assaults OF the Chnsse who had risen 10 massacre the
| " outside barbariaus."
When the Me xcan War broke ont. Preblo went
participated in the surrender OF Alvarado. Laguns
Tampico and Panuco, and assisted at the siege OF
Vera Cruz. Preble rapidly promoted and In
1878 became lieutenant He did some good work In the
coast survey and in 1851 went to Europe in the frgae
ST Lawrence which took the American exhibits to the
worlds fair at London and conveyed the American
Minister to Lisbon lie went on the 5spam eHpeGl
the chartered steamer Queen. made surveys OF
distinguished himself expeditions against the Chinese
pirates receiving the thanks OF Commanler Abbot ana
the English Admiral Sir James Stirling. for his gallant
services IN ihat respect lie prepared sailing directions
for shanghai which were published by the American and
English cover mcnts Returning to the United states
he served in various capacities on shore dnty and Oh the
Pacific station ,
OF the steamer gunho,t katakdln and reported TO An
raj Farragut, then commanding the West Gulf squadron
Pbn sbl at the ~ rr,hdsr Of New oresHs lie became
and fought under Farrsgut In all that heros
harily dismissed the service for not preventing the
Rebel cruiser oreo, niterwsrd called the Florida
from running the blockade OF Mobile Bay
Prebe the senior officer present at the time that
the Oreto the blockade 1t was subsequently, proved
beyond doubt that Prebc not 10 blame In the matter
and IN the following February he was restored TO his
rank and position Soon after he was sent out to Lisbon
rs From there hs sailed to the American coast on
his way, falling In with the vessel which had
caused his dismissal, tho Florida. at Madeira,
in sand demanded that more coal should be put
aboard Determined 10 atone for having let her slp by
le the OF the habor he would attack her
with his wooden sailing vessel One OF the most
desperate naval fights record would have taken place
OF the shores OF Maiera had not the Florida taken
advantage Of calm AMI steamed ont OF the harDQr.
As soon as breeze sprang up Prebe spread his sails
pursuit but of course, unable to catch the swift
cruiser ~ NIL, - ,
of the Fleet Brigade. consisting of sailors aud marines
organized at Port Royal and designed to assist General
Shermans approach to the coast. In the command OF
this brigade he distinguished himself by his skill and
bravery The closing III ebe was sent in command
of tho steamer State OF Georgia to Aspinwall, to
look after American interests there. His yes
sel and the Huntsville rescued 900 700
people from the wrecked steamship Golden Rule. near
Aspinwal Preble then returned home and served on
shore duty the North Pacific station until 1876
when he became rearadma and took possession of the
South Pacific Staten. In February 1878, he was PLACED
ON the retired list having reached the OF sxtytwo
Admiral Prebe was tho author OF several books. me
best known OF which Is The History OF the Flag HIS
magazine articles on the early Navy and other subjects
were always read with interest With his death gIeat
name passes from the American Navy ana useiui Anu
active life Is ended.