Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1878-12-05
ADy.IRAL PORTER.
Int1re,stIng accidents I'm the Life Of a
NsvaI Omcer Threatened 10 be
cried on Charges OF Conduct
UnbecOmlng an Officer.

The Washington correspondent OF the Gin
cinnati Enquirer, has the following interest
ing incidents in the life of Admiral Porter,
of the United States navy: There Is uni
versal feeling of sympathy IN this city with
Admiral Porter and his family, with regard
to statements published, and a threatening
suit to be brought by an ex-naval othcer,
whom in the past ne had offended. We can
claim the admiral as a citizen of Washing
ton, for as a boy he lived with his father, the
renowned Commodore Porter, of Essex fame,
at their mag1 ifcent coun r. home on Me-
rIdian hill, Just north OF this city. HIS
youth was spent here. He was appointed
from Pennsylvania, and he has done nothing
so far In his brilliant naval and personal ca
reer to bring the least blush Of discredit upon
his adopted State. Just prior to the late war,
Admiral (thenlieutenant) Porter, wearying OF
the enSm of his inactive naval llfe-tor we
were at peace with the world-apphed for
and obtained command Of, If | mistake
not, the Black Warrior, plying between New
York and Cuba. A difficulty arising between
the officials of the Spanish and our govern
ment relative to the landing of the passen-
gers, the BIach Warrior was denied permits
sion to leave the harbor, and the guns OF the
Moro Castle were brought to bear upon her.
The gallant Porter ordered the American
flag run up, the gunners to their post, steam
put on and the Warrior was run out through
affair was within an ace of precipitating a
war with Spain, and 1t took months of time
and barrels of diplomatic notes to smooth
the ruffied Spanish feathers. Then was our
golden opportunity TO take possession OF that
much coveted isle. 1t was in the full flush
of prosperity, and really deserved Its name
the Gem of the Antilles" The firing on
the flag created an immense sensation, and
the south was in favor of immediate retaha
ton; but the cool sense of the north pre-
vailed, the Spanish government apologized,
and the conflict was avoided. The career OF
Admiral Porter from then until the close OF
the war was signalized by the same pluck,
courage and energy that marked the event l
have above related. His wife is sister of
Carlisle Patterson, the efficient head of the
United States coast survey. She is a lady
well known for many amiable qualities of
heart and mind, and their home on II street
is the center of all that Is best In the dIplo
matte, army, navy. and civil society, IN our
city. The house in which they live is
one famed in our local annals. 1t
was for several seasons the resi-
dence of Hamilton Fish, when he repre-
sented New York in the senate Of the United
States; later by Lord Napier, who was the
minister from her majesty's court, and who
entertained with royal lavishness., The par
ties given during his regime were famous,
and still live in the memory of those fortu-
ndUe W nave USeu d SucSl' III INC ULCSSibS
rooms on these occasions were frequently
placed boxes of kid gloves and baskets Of
luscious flowers; and on one evening several
cases of artificial roses were put at the dis
posal of the ladies'. The old mansion retains
It's well deserved reputation for princely hos
pltallty, though administered In manner
more compatible with our ideas of republican
simplicity, and every Monday during the sea-
son Mrs. Porter receives and IL the bali
room the younger guests keep rythm with
tripping feet to the music invariably proVi-
ded. The admiral and his genial wife have
many warm friends who, one and all, repel
the idea that he has been guilty of any CON
duct unbecoming an officer and a gentle.
man. and feel sure when the case is brought
to trial the brave old sailor will come from
under this fire. by his enemies as he sailed
past the guns of Moro Castle-with 'trium
plant colors.' The admiral is in feeble
health, and is not any longer young man,
and it is hard case that such thorns should
be woven amid the laurels crowning his hon
ored, brave and victorious career"