The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-14
1DMTRdI PORTER DEAD.
The Distinguished Naval Officer Dies Sud
denly In Washington.


David D. Porter, who has been in failing
health for some years. died suddenly at s.15
this morning. at his residence in this city, of
fatty degeneration of the heart. Tie phTsi-
cian attending Admiral Porter WIS hastily
summoned 10 his bedside this morning, but
the Admiral was dead before he arrived. All
the members Of the family were at home at the
time of his death.
No arrangements have yet been made for the
funeral tut they will probably be placed IN
charge of the Navy Department. Although
death came suddenly it was not unexpected
by the family.
sEETcH OF HIS LIFE.
Admiral David Dixon Porter was born
al Chester, Delaware county, Pa. June g..
1913. and studied in Columbia College at
Washington, d. c.. IN 1873; accompanied hls
father. Comodore David Porter, III the John
Adam to suppress piracy in tbe West lndes
WAS appointed mldshipman in the Mexican
navy and served under his cousin, Captain
David II. Porter. in the Guerrer. which sailed
from Vera Cruz in 1877. Mr.. Porter was
appointed midshipman in the United States
navy in 1829and ieutonent in ls4l. In Is4J ne
was appointed 10 the naval observatory at
Washington. he served during the Mexican
war and was engaged IN every action on the
coast He then went to California and COM
manded the California mail steamers between
San Francisco and Panama. At the
beginning of the war between the
States he commanded the steam fri
gate POwhatan at Pensacola. On April %
1861. he was appointed commodore and was
placed in command Of the mortar feet. assist
ing Farragut in the homhardment of Forts
Jackson and 81. Phillip; also ri New Orleans
and Nicksburg.
He became acting rcar-admiral In Scptem-
Der, 1862, rear-admiral in 1853, in command Of
A .t4Ff
the boml ardment Of Fort Fisher, at the
mouth Of Cape Fear river. llr. Porter received
the thanks of Congress for tins service. He
was made vice admiral in l'Oj, and August 10,
1870. promoted 90 the rank IF admiral of the
navy, which poition he has held ever since
He Is author OF several books ana was tho
originator OF "a peculiar type OF gun boat, OF
which, however. none have been yet built
THE PRESIDENTS TRIBUTE.
The Presinent today sent the following
special message to Congress in relation 10
Admiral PoTteT's death
Othc Senate and House of representatives:
The Admiral Of Naw, David Porter. died at
his residence in the eaY of Washington this
morning sl5 in the seventy-"ighth year Of
ms age. He entered the naval service as Il
midshipman February 2, ls29, and had been
since in service. having been made aimual
AUGUST 10. 1870. He was the son Of Com
modore David Porter. one Of the greatest
of naval commanders His service
during the ciNl war was consWcuousy
brilliant and successful and his death ends a
verv high aud honorabl@ career. His country
men VII sincerely mourn his loss, while they
cherish with great pride the memory OF his
deeds
10 the officers Of the navy his life will con-
tinue to yield inspiration.
iSisnedl Benz. HARRISON.
The following order was issued to-day from
tn Secutive Mansion.
othe n eads of the Executive Mansion: In
token Of respect 10 Admirable Porter, the
President directs that the national flag be dis
PLAYED at half-mast upon all public buildings
throughout the United States until alter his
funeral takes place. and that on the day
of the funeral puolc business IL the depart
1nenfs nj Mashington be su.nended.