Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-02-13

oeen seriouriy purueneo bv ner etteuuons upon
her husband. She had retired early last night
and was lying down on her bed in the room
adjoining that which the admiral occupied
while the sad scenes at the death bed were be-
ing enacted. She was therefore unaware Of
what had happened until DIR. Wales entered
the room, few minutes after the death, and
gently broke the news TO the loving wife,
whose faith in her husbands recovery had
been so strong. In her weakened state the an
nouncement came like a thunderbolt and she
Is now in a critically nervous state.
Messages were at once sent TO the President
and the Secretary OF the Navy and at O'Clock
the flags on the White House and the Navy De-
partment were flying at half mast Later in
the day the flags on the other departments
were lowered.
NO DEFINITE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS Yrr.
No definite arrangements have yet been made
Tor the funeral II will probably take place
Monday with the highest military honors. The
interment will take place at Arlington in lot
selected by the admiral about q year
ago He drove over there with one
pointing ont the lot corresponding to that oc-
cupied by the remains Of Gen. Sheridan on the
north side of the center pathway leading from
the mansion down the east terrace, he re-
marked: Drive a stake there, for there Is
where my body shall rest"
The admiral had seen no callers for some
weeks, but there had been Q constant stream Of
people at the door for some time past making
inquiries as to his condition. Today there were
many prominent people at the door leaving
cards and notes OF coincidence. and scores OF
kilograms were received from various sources
expressing regret.
GEN. sHERMAN's LAST VISIT.
About three weeks ago Gen. Sherman, now
lying at the point Of death in New York, called
at the house to see the admiral who was then
sleeping, and thus the two old friends were I'M
able to meet Gen. Sherman therupon
expressed great regret at the condition
OF the admiral and urged the attendants
not to awaken him. He left a message of SYM
pathy and remarked, sadly: II would rather
not see Porter unless / could see him as he
always was when have met him." Turning to
Mrs. Logan he added. half jokingly: Il viii be
the next one, and perhaps may go before Por-
ter does" He shrugged his shoulders and con-
tlnued: Anyhow. II s nothing to die as it's Just
as natural as il is to be bornr' This il now
told by the admirals family as being almost
prophetic.
EFFECT OF HIS DEATH IN THE NAVY.
Admiral Porter's death will have no immedi-
ate effect upon the navy beyond the ceremo-
mails at his funeral. His rank as admiral was a
peculiarly personal one, as he continued TO oc-
cupy II for many years after time when Off
GERS usually retire from active service. Ii dies
with him and his death will cause no vacancy or
promotion.
The retirement some months ago Of vice ad-
miTal Rowan and now the death Of Admiral
Porter eliminates both of these longevity Offices
and leaves Rear Admiral Kimberly the ranking
officer OF the navy today.
SONS OF THE REVOLUTION.
Gen. A. W. Greedy, acting president Of the
District Of Columbia Society Of Sons of the
American Revolution, has called meeting Of
the society for tomorrow afternoon at $50
ocsock at the board of trade rooms Glover
building. to take action on the death of Ad-
miral Porter, who was the president Of the
society.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO CONGRESS-.
The following message. announcing Ad-
miral Porter's death, was sent to Congress BY
the President:
To the Senate and House Of Representatives:
The admiral of the navy. David Dixon
Porter. died at his residence in the city Of
Washington this morning at Sis O'Clock, in
the seventy-eighth year of his age. He entered
the the naval ser, ice as midshipman February 2,
1879, snd had been since continuously in ser
vice, having been made admiral August Is,
1870. He WAS the son Of Commodore
David Porter, one OF the great
est of our naval commanders
His service during the civil war was conspicu-
ously 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 mem
DRY of his deeds.
To the officers of the navy his life will con-
tanue to yield inspiration and encouragement
BENZ. HARRISON.
Executive Mansion, February Is, 1891.
RESPECT TO HIS MEMORY.
In token of respect to the memory Of Ad-
miral David ID. Porter, who died this morning,
the President directs that the national flag be
displayed at half mast upon all public buildings
throughout the United States until after his
funeral shall have taken place, and that on the
day of the funeral public business in the de-
partments at Washington be suspended.
Z. w. HALFoRD,
Private Secretary.
Executive Mansion,
February Is, 1891.
A sketch Of His Career.
Admiral David ID. Porter was born in
Chester, Delaware county, Pa, June 8, 1913.
He studied at Columbian College in this city
and afterward accompanied his father, Commo-
dore Porter, in the John Adams on an expedi-
ton to'suppress piracy in the West Indies. He
was appointed a midshipman in the Mexican
navy. served under his COUSIN, Capt. David II.
Porter. in the Guerrero and was with him when
Capt. Porter was killed in action with q
Spanish frigate. He entered the United States
navy as midshipman February 2, 1922 and
dlttr CRUISING IN tut meu1tcrfdne2n served IN
coast survey until he was appointed TO q naval
lieutenancy February q, lS4l. He served
throughout the Mexican war. had charge of the
naval rendezvous at New Orleans and took part
in every engagement on the coast on the Spit
fire, first as lieutenant and later as command
ing officer. During the height of the Califor-
mia gold excitement he obtained furlough
and took command of the California mail
steamers Panama and Georgia, running be-
tween New York and the isthmus.
HIS SERVICES DURING THE LATE WAR.
On the breaking out of the late war he was
appointed to the command of the Powhatan in
the gulf blockading squadron at Pensacola
Rear Admiral Porters services throughout the
entire war were of such brilliant nature as 10
place him, along with Farragut, as the two
most distinguished officers Of the navy. He was
appointed commander April n, 1851. He Was
placed in command Of the mortar feet and
Joined Admiral Farragut in the bombardment
of Forts jackson and st. Philip below New
Orleans. He assisted Farragut in all his actions
between New Orleans and vicksburg. In July
Porter was ordered with his mortar boats 10
Fort Monroe, where he resigned their charge,
squadron as acting rear admiral in September,
1862.
TIE FALL OF vIcKsBuRo.
For his valuable services at vicksburR Con-
gress passed him q vote of thanks and he re-
ceived the commission Of rear admiral, dated
July 4, 1853. Soon afterward he captured the
confederate forts at Grand gulf. This put
him in communication with Gen. Grant. The
latter, with the assistance Of the feet was en-
abled IN GET in the rear of vicksburO and from