The New York herald., 1870-12-29
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE.
Vice Admiral Porter.

To TIRE EDITOR OF THE HERALD
AS much has been said to prejudice tho minds OF
the public against Admiral Porter, we feel II but
Justice to tnat meritorous officer TO present to the
public few facts which are yet fresh in our mem.
ory.
When all hearts and eyes OF our country-lov-
ing people were turned to the focus where we knew
on the ability and valor OF our leaders depended so
much the fate OF our country. how many OF US
member the thrilling emotions which nlled our
hearts with JOY at the announcement OF great
victories. and how the names OF Farragut and
Porter were hcraided with juDiant voices over our
landl and 1t Is not thing to be forgotten by
those Of u.s. at least, who served under Porter ut this
critical tne
We who served with him on the Mississippi river
can testify 10 the zeal and untlrin Efforts night and
day, with which he worked. Never were mans
energies, discipline, intelligence and skill more
brought into requlsition, and never they more
dexterously, more raliantly executed We who wit
messed the stupendous work of getting Farragut's
fleet over the bar at the mouth OF the Mississippi
river (where pilots could not be had) remember the
able assistance rendered by Porter, who, after get
ting his mortar vessels in the river gave his
vices to Farragut, and with his mastery skill sue
ceeded in getting over some OF The heaviest ships,
which at one time seemed almost impossible, aud
we also witnessed the harmony which existed be-
tween these two distinguished officers. We also be-
Hefu Win lUHliflliOn Lnc nerOc manner In which
lie stood by Falragut giving his whole mind and
energy TO the cause.
In corroboraton OF the facts we would call tho
attention OF our readers TO the official congrat9aory
letter OF Hon. Gideon Weles Secretary or the Navy,
to Admiral Porter upon the surrender of Forts JACK.
son and st. fbiiip, which Is as foll0ws:-
NAVY DEPARTMENT. May 10, 1852.
o. aesrah % Of Ap1 % e the articles Of
dered the ssth ult after bombardment of IA
s, ye son by the s.ar , a Pas been have
ST. ns Mss h sH n. M
ana to have seeded from the Unon which have been
Important part which you have borne in the orsaniza
Ton OF the mortar otia and the movement New Orleans
achievements on record and yonr able with the
not o,a n Flag Ocer Farragu much indebted sor the
To yourself and tho officers and of the mortar
pecifu aep eA'eAa' US paos WELEs re-
Commander DAVID D. PORTER. commanding United States
Mortar Fotia, Guif OF Mexico.
And again at vicksnurg these two officers were
operating together IN the same harmonious manner.
false the contrary statements are.
The brilliant record OF Porter shows the great
ability he displayed In all succeeding battles cul.
minatDg IN the capture Of VicksOurg and Fort
Fisher. 1t is historical fact that when Admiral
FarIagut declined. on account OF his health, the
command OF the fleet to attack Fort Fisher that Ad-
mral P0rter was called from hts command OH the
too plainly the result OF his brilliant operations
against that stronghold 10 admit Of any doubt on
We ewno have had the honor to command under
this aole onlccr know how to appreciate his worth.
Are these noble deeds, which would be the boast
for generations in every country but ours, to be
soon forgotten? Let Us not have 10 blush at such
ngrattude, and for our future benefit dispense to
TO our gallant leader that seal OF appreciation OF
his gallantry which he justly merits. Love OF
country and love OF coun.rynen inspired him to
work. JUSTICE.
The ReIense % the Feninn Prisoners.
NEW YORK. Dec. -, 1870.
To THE EDITOR or THE HERALD:-
SIR-Permit me TO suggest through the medium OF
your columns TO my countrymen, the Irish residents
OF this city, that III view of the welcome tidngs
ceived informing US OF the release or our COM
patriots tile Fenans lately confined In British
prisons, union demonstration for their proper re-
cept.on should be made by all sympathizing nation.
alists In this metropolis.
The proper reception OF the released Feaians is
matter upon which Irlshmea cannot fail to agree,
and il therefore furnishes good opportunity for
nationalists OF all shades and classes among rs to
unite IN harmony on common PLATFORM, having for
It's principal panks those OF sympathy for the suffer-
iiigs OF oar fellows and resolution TO MD them in
their wants and comfort them IN their tlibulations.
TO properly carry out rls iaca il would seem
right tliat some prominent Irishmen, representing
should call meeting TO be heid-say ut the Cooper
nstltute--at when programme OF action might be
adopted ana subscriptions received Tor the purpose
Oh enabling whatever committee might be appointed
TO present each or the released prisoners With such
sum OF money as would suuce TO relieve lmme-
date wants. until some honorable employment
could Dc Obtained Very attentively yon"s, T. NJ.