Los Angeles herald., 1891-02-14
SANK TO SLEEP.
THE NATION AGAIN PLUNGED IN
MOURNING.
Came Suddenly and Without Warning.
The Deceased's Distinguished Services.

WAsHNGToN, Feb. 13.-Adpliral David
d. Porter died this morning. His death
was very sudden. 1t occurred at his
residence here, and was the result o1
fatty degeneration OF the heart, which
he had been affected with since last
summer. His death was calm and
peaceful. When DIR. Wales left him at
II O'Clock last night, his condition was
about the same it had been for several
weeks past, and there were no indica-
tions that medical services would be
needed before the time for the doctors
regular visit this morning.
The nature of the admiral's disease
made it dangerous for him to lie on his
back, so that he was accustomed to rest
sitting OH large sofa. with his back
and head supported by pillows. The
admiral awoke at 6 45 this morning,
and took his nourishment as usual. He
afterwards fell into light sleep, and
gave no indication whatever that his
end was so near at hand. At O'Clock
the admiral's son, Richard, who slept
by his side, noticed change in his fa-
theirs condition. He was breathing
with difficulty, and seemed to be chok-
ing. The household were at once
aroused, and DIR. Wales was sent for.
The patients pulse grew fainter and
fainter, and at 9 O'Clock he gasped con-
vulsively and expired without word.
DIR. Wales reached the house almost
Immediately after being notified, and
applied all the restoratives known to
science, but to no effect. Word was at
once sent to the president and secretary
of the navy. and the flags of the white
house and on all other public buildings
were placed at half mast.
Secretary Tracy promptly visited the
family and conferred with them in re-
gard to the funeral arrangements. He
said the funeral should be marked with
the highest military honors, and the in
terment should be at Arlington national
! cemetery.
A large number of people in official
life called at the house this morning and
left messages of sympathy for the fam
! lily. kilograms of coincidence were also
received from prominent people from all
over the country.
| The president, when informed of Ad
miral Porter's death, sent message of
sympathy to the family. He subse-
quently sent message to congress, no.
tifying that body of his death, and in
the afternoon issued an executive order,
closing the executive departments on
the day OF the funeral, and directing
the flags on all public buildings to be
placed at half-mast on that occasion.
Following is the presidents message
to congress, announcing the death of
Admiral Porter:
To the Senate and House OF Representatives
Admiral of the Navy Dayid Dixon
Porter died at his residence in the city
of Washington this morning, in the 18th
year of his age. He entered the naval
service as midshipman, February 2,
1929, and has been since continuously in
the service, having been made admiral
August Is, 1870. He was son Of Com
modore David Porter, one of the greatest
OF our naval commanders. His service
during the civil war was conspicuously
brilliant and successful, and his death
ends very high and honorable career.
His countrymen will sincerely mourn
his loss, while they cherish with grateful
pride the memory OF his deeds. To the
officers of the navy his life will continue
to yield inspiration and encouragement.
BENJAMIN HARRISON.
Inc secretary OF tne navy mas issued
an order announcing the death of Ad-
miral Porter, and reciting his distin-
guished services to the county.
On the day Of the funeral the navy
! department will be closed. The flag
will be displayed at half-mast at all the
navy yards and stations. and ON board
the ships in commission.
Seventeen minute guns will be fired at
noon at all the navy yards. The navy
department will be draped in black,
and all the officers of the navy and ma
rine corps will wear a mourning badge
thirty days.
The funeral will take place on Tues