PREBLE, George Henry, American naval officer: nephew of Edward Preble (q.v.), b. Portland, Maine, 25 Feb. 1816; d. Brookline, Mass, 1 March 1885. He entered the navy as midshipman in 1835, served in the Mediterranean on the frigate United States in 1836-38, on various boats of the West Indian and Gulf squadron in 1839-40, was engaged in the war against the Seminoles in 1841-42, and in 1843 45 circumnavigated the world on the Saint Louis, attaining the distinction of landing the first American force in China. In the Mexican War he participated in the battles of Alvaredo, Vera Cruz, Laguna, Tampico, Panuco and San Juan de Ulloa; in 1848 he was commis sioned a lieutenant; from 1853-56 he was in Japan and China with the Perry expedition and in 1854-55 he was engaged in several actions with Chinese pirates. In 1862 he com manded the steam gun-boat Katandin under Farragut at the capture of New Orleans, was commissioned a commander in that year and for failure to capture the Confederate cruiser Oreto was dismissed from the navy. Investi gation proved him blameless, however, and in 1863 he was restored to his rank, placed in com mand of the Saint Louis with which he engaged in pursuing Confederate rovers in foreign waters. In the latter part of 1864 he blockaded the North Edisto River, and a little later was placed in command of the fleet brigade organized by Admiral Dahlgren at Port Royal for the purpose of co-operating with General Sherman. Under his command the brigade en
gaged on 30 Nov. 1864, in the successful battle of Honey Hill. In April 1865 he was put in command of the steamer State of Georgia. From October 1865 to July 1867 he was inspector general of supplies at the Charlestown navy yard. From August to December 1867 he acted as chief of staff of the North Pacific squadron, commanding the flagship Pensacola and in March 1867 was com missioned a captain. He was commissioned commodore in 1871, and in 1873-75 had charge of the navy yard at Philadelphia. In 1876 he received rank as rear-admiral, was in com mand of the South Pacific station in 1877-78 and in 1878 was retired. He wrote (Chase of the Rebel Steamer of War Oreto' (Cambridge, Mass., 1862) ;