George Henry Preble-- Part 2: Life Leading Up to the Civil War

He was in the Seminole War in Florida in 1841, as well as on the USS St. Louis when it circumnavigated the world 1843-1845,  It landed the first American force ashore in China.  In the Mexican war, he participated in the capture of Alvarado, Veracruz and Tuxpan.

Preble became master in 1847 and lieutenant in 1847.  While serving on the USS St. Lawrence, he went with Commodore Matthew C. Perry to Japan in 1853 where he surveyed various Far Wast harbors.

After that he spent a period as a lighthouse inspector and at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston and then was on the USS Narragansett from 1859-1861.

--Old B-Runner

The Union's Pacific Squadron

From the Civil War Forum.

Even though the U.S. West Coast was far from the major fighting, there was still the possibility of Confederate commerce raiders attacking or attack from Southern sympathizers from Canada.  A small fleet maintained guard along the Pacific coast.

The Pacific Squadron 1861-1865: Six sloops-of war:

USS Lancaster--  flagship
USS Saranac
USS Wyoming
USS Narragansett
USS Cyane

Also, at end of the war, the USS Suwanee.

The Saranac was commanded at one time by Gustavus H. Scott.

--Old B-Runner

150 Years Ago: August 12th, 1863-- Out West and the Flying Scud

AUGUST 12TH

Rear Admiral Charles H. Bell, commanding the Pacific Squadron, ordered the USS Narrangansett to cruise regularly between San Francisco and Acapulco, Mexico, to protect Pacific mail steamers (fear of Confederate cruisers).

If in a port with Southern sympathies, great vigil should be taken.

USS Princess Royal seized the British schooner at Brazos, Texas. The Flying Scud (what a name for a ship) was reported to have run the blockade and landed 65,000 pounds of powder, 7 tons of horseshoes, and thousands of dollars worth of medicine.

--Old B-Runner