Preble, George H

(1816-1885), rear-admiral, served in the Mexican War. He commanded the ‘‘ Maced on i an”’ against Chinese pirates in 1854. He commanded the ‘‘ Katahdin” and the ‘St. Louis” during the Rebellion, and wrote a ‘‘ History of the United States Flag.’’ Pre-emption Law. ‘The first pre-emption act was pa ed March 3, 1801. It was a special act affecting the Symmes colonization scheme on the Miami River. Between that time and 1841 about eighteen preemption acts were pa ed, all of a more or Je special nature. The first general law was pa ed in 1830. That of 1841, which is now in force, grants, upon considerations of residence and improvement, freedom of entry upon 160 acres of public lands to any person over twenty-one years of age. Twelve to thirty-three months are allowed for payment, and the amount varies with the value and situation of the tract preempted.