The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-01-04
ADMIRAL DAVID D. PORTER,
United States Navy.

Illustrated Correspondence Neo North West.
In the history of the memorable achieve
msnts OF the American Navy, both In the
war OF 1872, when our wooden vessels chal
lenged the claim OF Great Britain TO the SOW
ereignty Of the seas, and in the war of the
Rebellion, where our naval service made
almost ~ wonderful a record In keeping ny
blockade all along the coast of the Southern
States, the name of the Porters is insepara
bly, connected with the proudest annals OF
American soamanship.
The subject of this sketch was born in Phil.
adclphia in 1906. He was only seven years
Of age when his father was winning his lau-
rels on the Essex and the Constellation, and
his childish heart was filed with an ambi-
ton to himself become a naval officer, and
to rival his fathers honors when he should
become man. His ambition was gratifed.
He received all the assistance in the way OF
early training that could have been given
him, and In 1929 he entered the American
navy in the humble capacity OF q midship-
man, where he served with gradual promo
ton under Commodore Pattison also Phil
adelphia man, and under Commodore Biddle.
He was always the most faithful and trust
worthy Of officers in his subordinate capac-
ity, his father having taught him that in
order 10 learn how to command, he must
first learn to obey. This characteristic of
absolute trustworthiness led TO his employ.
ment In making the survey of the United
States coast, which was undertaken in 1896,
under the administration OF Andrew Jackson,
and was finished under Harrison, in 1871. In
performing this work he merited and receiv-
ed the commendation Of all his superiors.
At the close Of his service he was appoint
ed Lieutenant on the Frigate Congress,
and for four years was engaged In cruise in
Mediterranean waters, where he took occa-
sion TO study the center Of the ancient world
and the wonders which It's great cities had to
offer to the eye OF the American sailor who
had never been away from his native land
up TO that time. In 1845 he was transferred
10 the National Observatory ut Wa. hington,
where he remained until the beginning Of the
Mexican war, under President Polk, when IL
was considered desirable 10 send the most
active and the most valuable naval officers
10 the front, and he was dispatched to the
naval rendezvous mt New Orleans But the
navy had but little to do with the subiuga-
ton Of the Mexican Republic, and the young
officer found but little opportunity for the
exercise of his talents.
As soon as the necessity for further mill
tary. or naval operations In the Gulf had
ceased, he was once more put upon the force
engaged on the coast survey, which had now
become An established branch OF the service.
In isi9, however, the rush Of emigrants had
set In from the Eastern States to the gold
mines Of California, and Lieutenant Porter
was detailed by the Government TO the COM
mand OF one OF the mail steamships, then
regularly running TO tho Pacific coast In
1851 the country had TO meet its greatest cri-
sis, and found. itself weaker, perhaps, in the
naval department than anywhere else. The
United States navy, as well as Its army, was
fairly honey -combed with traitors in positions
Of trust, graduates Of the United States Ma |
tional Naval Academy, who did not consider |
that they owed anything to the Government |
which had given them their education. or |
Posters loyalty, however, there could be no |
doubt, and he was at once given the rank of |
commander, and assigned to the United |
States sloop OF war, Powhattan. |
From the very first he took rank among |
the best of our naval commanders. His ex-
PLOTS In the capture Of New Orleans are too |
well known to call for comment here. He |
commanded the squadron which was ordered |
TO cooperate with Admiral Farragut in the
first assault on the rebel stronghold at vicks-
burg, which was the key to the situation on
the Mississippi river. He rendered distin-
guished services all through the war of the |
Rebellion, and at Its close stood very high in
the estimation Of the Administration. He |
was appointed Superintendent and President |
ez c1cio Of the Academy OF Annapolis, and
held this position for number of years. He |
was made Vioe-Admiral In 1865, and became |
Admiral In 1870 Admiral Porter is . very
warm personal friend of President Grant,
and - regarded by all who know him rs
man Of unblemished integrity, as well rs an
officer Of distinguished merit