Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-01-05
COMMODORE PoRTER's LETTER.

COMMODORE PORTER IS LETTER.
The foIiowig is copy of the Letter of Commo-
dore Porter TO the Senate, noticed in the Proceed
ings OF that body of the 9th instant
To the Pee President ofhe United States,
and President of the Senate
Sir During the last session of Congress, seye-
raj communications from Thomas Randall and
John Mountain, highly injurious to the character
oil myself, and other officers of The West India
squadron, were transmitted by the then Secretary
oil State, to the Senate, and gave rise debate
wherein many severe reflections were made on the
conduct OF navy officers in general, but more par
tlcuiarly on that of the officers employed for the
suppression OF piracy In consequence of these
communications, and the remarks they gave rise 10
Immediately on my arrival in the United States |
applied for an investigation of the conduct of N.Y.
self and others, implicated by them The conse-
quence was, an investigation of the whole of the
proceedings OF the West India squadron, from tie
time OF my taking command, u" the time of my
recall. All ofwhich has been printed, by order Of
The President, and was, as / am informed, snort
'ime snce In the office of the honorable Secretary
OF tie Navy, ready 10 be distributed whenever Con-
gress shall have made call for the same.
In consequence OF which, | some time since re-
quested the Hon. Mr.. Lloyd TO offer resolution.
calling on the Navy Department for the proceed
ings In the to be laid before the Senate, which
he did me the favor to comply with, and call was
accordingly made; but as he has since informed me
that he does not contemplate taking any further
steps In the affair, take the liberty of briefly stat
Ing TO you my object in wishing the call for the
proceedings, which beg YOU TO communicate TO
the Senate for It's consideration.
The documents communicated by the State De
paFimen, together with the remarks which they
gave rise 10, have been spread before The public and
on many minds have left an impression highly in
furious 10 the character OF the Navy in general and
this impression has been strengthened by the repe,j-
on OF the charges in the public prints by Mr. Ran
dali, since the proceedings in the case were had
with the additional assertion that had shrunk from
the inquiry, and deprived the Court of the opportu-
NIFTY OF bringing Out all the facts in the case by
which his charges would have been sustained, and
my guilt would have been manifest. 1t is, there
fore, due to myself it is due 10 every officer under
my command, 1t II due to the whole Navy and |
indeed the whole nation, that the result of this in
quIry should he LAID before the Senate, that errone-
Gus impressions, injurious TO our characters, may
thereby be removed from the minds of those who,
by the statements of Randall and Mountain. have |
been led TO entertain them, and that those who en-
iehaned different opinions, and were induced to in
erpose themselves between and the injury which |
Il Is believed was intended by our accusers, may |
he assured that their confidence has not been plac
Ed on objects unworthy OF engaging it,
bes, sir, that this subject may be brought TO the
consideration ct the Senate at as early period as
possible, IN order that II may determine, whether
'uthcleni rigor has been observed in the inquiry |
hat IT il has not, other proceedings may be asked
Tor, and they prove satisfactory, as feel a con-
ideuce they will that an opinion may be expressed |
10 that effect, thereby relieving from the charges
and censures that remain tie files and stand on |
record against US, 10 the prejudice of our own cha
-acters, and the character, and consequently Of the
interests, Of the corps to which belong.
This request is made with feelings of the highest /
aspect for the Members Of the Senate, indiv idua-
y and collectively; add hope sincerely that there
nay be loundinotIiing wrong unreasonable in my
icsire TO obtain that appreciation which myself and
'thers have sought with 80 much assiduity, during
he time we were employed in the suppression OF pi-
acy-a service holding forth no reward for its
aiIhful perlormance--no hope to cheer Us through
u our privations and sulTerings, but the spproba-
ion OF our country
| have the honor 10 be, with the highest res
'ect, your very obedient servant,
ID. PORTER.