THE CAPTURE OF THE GEORGIA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XIX, Issue 2121, 29 October 1864, Page 5

THE CAPTURE OF THE GEORGIA.

Dover, Aug. 14.- The Federal steam frigate Niagara brought up in Dover Heads this morning, having ou board Captain VVitbycombe and 33 men belonging lo the screw steamer Georgia, which is the property of a British merchant residing in Liverpool, and was captured by the Niagara while sailing under the British flag, on Monday, the 15th of August, about 20 miles ofT Lisbon. The capture was made by the commodore in command of the Niagura ou the ground ibut the Georgia was formerly a belligerent ship, aud in the service of the Con feaerate Slates as the celebrated cruiser of the same name. It seems, however, that the Georgia was purchased some few months ago by M. E. Bates, a shipowner of Liverpool, and some nice questions of an international character will therefore possibly arise out of tbis proceeding ou the part of the Niagara. The Georgia, it appears, was under orders for Lisbon, having been chartered by the Portuguese Government for the purpose of conveying passeugers between that place and the African Coast or the West Indies. She had been regularly fitted up for this liiifllc, hariug accommodation for 30 firstclass and 20 second-class passengers. There is reason to believe that the American commodore was kept informed of tbe object and des* linaiion of the vessel, and that she bad been closely watched at Liverpool. This was her first voyage under her new ownership, and hei crew had all received a month s pay in advance. Nothing unusual occurred till sbe arrived aboui 20 miles off Lisbon, when the Niagara was seen apparently waiting for her. Capt Withycombe did not deviate from bis course until brought to with a couple of shots fired across his bows. He was shortly afterwards boarded byan armed boats's ciew in command of au officer of the Niagara, who requested his attendance before the commodore. He protested against the insult which bad been oflered to tbe 11. ig under whicli he was sailing, and insisted that as the Georgia was a British ship engaged iu legitimate and peaceable traffic, no right could exist under which his course could be arrested. Upou getting on board the Niagara, the commodore explained that it was his duly lo seize tbe Georgia, but that he desired to caase Capt. Withycombe and his crew as little discomfort as possible. The ship's papers were tben taken possession of, and the crew detained as prisoneis till the Niagara reached Dover, when they were landed aud conveyed to the Dover Sailors' Home, where they were kindly received. Thence they will be forwarded lo Liverpool. The Niagara, which is a magnifioent steamer, resembling a little our Himalaya, saluted on bringing up in the bay, a compliment which was returned by the artillery from the Castle batteries. Soon after landing Captain Withycombe and his crew she steamed off in the direction ofthe Downs.