Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-05-20
From the North American
DEATH OF COMMODORE PORTER.


alive OF Commodore Porter, 10 Cons.aniinople,
contains some interesting particulars OF his las,
illness and death. The Commodore had been
for Sumo years past in very feeble health, and
laierly had been exceedingly proslraled. On
the eth February last he was seized with an
acute attack of pleurisy and pericardiis. which
after intense suffering. Terminated fatally on
the % Of March. The letter proceeds TO
say.
FRIbAy. March Sd. p. NJ.
THE poor Commodore is 10 more. He died
wilhou, pain and scarcely struggle al exactly
IL meridian. To The las, we had no reason
TO believe he was sensible All that could be
done by the most assiduons aud uniiring al
tention 60 relieve him 10 his last IN ,ments was
done. Nature was exhausted, and TO Judge
from his tranquility we may safely say that
for some hours previous to his decease he was
insensible 10 pain He now looks as tranquil
as if asleep; and his conniensnce shows no
torture he had been enduring for the last five
days. He seemed TO have presentiment for
some time past Of his approaching fate. for he
often repeated 10 US that he felt he would die
soon. BY his last WILL Commodore Porter
directed his body should be inferred at the
foot of The flagstaff This will he done His
body will be pu, in a eaden Coffin with an
outer one of mahogany. Commodore Morgan
will be written to. 10 request him TO send
vessel Of war 10 convey the remains TO the
United States. as i, would be very improper
10 leave them here, since the property may
pass into other hands. The morning of the
day he was tlken i'll, he took long ride in the
carriage he had lately purchased. | went
with him. He appeared 10 suffer much pain,
and urged him in vain TO return hlme. The
roads were deep with mud. and as the carriige
is rather heavy for the horses, they were
Obliged 10 stop once or twice for breath, and
once fell; still he ordered the coachman 10
drive on. He leaned back his head and groan-
ed, as if suffering grea, pain, bu, uttered no
complaint. On our return he was completely
exhausted, and he was almost carried TO his
bed.
SUNDAY. March 9Th.
A ceep grave has been dug few yards to
the nor,hward Of the flagstaff; it is lined and
hoored with bricks. A flooring of oaken
boards is also laid down 10 prevent, the effects
ef dalnpness. There will be three collins viz:
Ian inner one Of lead made air tight and filled
with rum--next walnut casing covered with
black cloth with the letters ID p. in brass
nails on the lid, il being found Impossible 10
have silver plate engraved here. 10 the
grave will be placed an outer coffin in strong
deal stained black. in which the coffin will be
deDosted. Invitations have been issued TO all
the diplomatic corps, and the Americans here
for the funeral ceremonies, but as the weather
is bad fear the attendants will he small.
MONDAY, March 9Th 3, P NJ.
The funeral is over. IL was attended by
the attaches of several Legations and all the
Americans resident in Prra. The ministers
who were not present themselves or who had
no, sen, representatives sent letters Of condo
lence. After the funeral the Americans pres.
ent assembled and passed HE following reso-
Iu,ions. list, That. they would wear Grape
for The space of one month---2d. That letters
of coincidence should be sent TO Mrs. Porter.
Sd. Thai copies of resolutions should be sent
to the Dap arImen, Of Stale to Mrs. Porter and
10 the family here. Signed BY all The Amerl'
cans in Pera.
THE ACTION OF THE ESSEX WITH THE PHGBE
AND cHERUB.
This was one Of The most bfllian, affairs OF
the late war. The Essex. as is well known,
was under the command Of the lamented PoR-
TER The following spirited narrative Of the
battle from The glowing pen Of Cooper, will be
read with interest at this moment.
Finiine ii impossible TO beat up to the COM
mon anchorage. in his present condition. 10
time 10 avoid the enemy, Captain Porier stood
across the entrance of the harbor OF Vdlpa-
raiso, 10 its north eastern side. where he let
go an anchor. about three miles from The town,
a mile aud half from CasieIle Viego which.
however. was concealed by bluff half a mile
from detached battery of one twenty four
pound gun. aud within pistol shot Of the shore.
Notwithstanding This position. the enemy con-
tinuej to apppOarh, and ii soon became evident,
by the motto flags and jacks he set. that IL was
his serious in,snlon to engage. The Essex,
in consequence, cleared for action, and aitemp-
ted TO get a spring on her cable, but had not
succeeded in effecling this important object,
when the Phoebe, having obtained an advanta-
geous position. nearly asiern. about =. NJ.
openng her fire, at long shot. At the same
lime The Charnb commenced the action on the
starboard bow The fire of the Phoebe. from
the double advantage she possessed in her long
cuns and her station. became very desrucl-
i've. as scarce a gun from the Essex could
,ouch her. The Cherub, however, was soon
driven off. when she ran down to leeward,
and engaged from position taken by the
Phpbe. Three long twelves were got out aft.
and they played with 80 much object on the en-
emy. that al the end ofhalf an hour. both of his
shins hauled of 10 the land TO repair damages.
This important fact. which is affirmed By the
Americans. is suficisnily couoborated by The
accounts Of the enemy.
During this first attack. tie Essex. through
the GREAT exerlions Of the master and boat
swain. had succeeded in getting springs on the
io,hlos .no loss than three different times. bot
before the shiy's brodside could be sprung to
hear tbey were as often shot away. The ship
Asa received great DEAF Of injury, aud sew.
Ell men had been killed Snd SgiGunded' Not