Description:

Porter David


Lengthy Commodore David Porter ALS written less than two months before Barbary States appointment

3 page bifold letter with integral leaf, cream unlined stationery inscribed in black ink on “Jany 30th 1830” and addressed to “Mr. Smith Esq., Cashier of the Office of Discount & Deposit, Washington” in Porter’s rapid and stylized script. Signed at top of third page: “With the greatest respect your obt servt David Porter”, with fanciful loops ornamenting the “D” and a decorative flourish underlining entire signature. In very good condition, with expected folds as well as isolated toning and stains. Some low areas where pages were attached with seal no longer present. Each page measures 7.75” x 9.875”.


In this letter, Commodore Porter writes about an unresolved legal case probably relating to finance. Porter speculates about whether he needs to be present to obtain the signature of a Supreme Court judge, and while he wants to quickly resolve the issue, he also shows considerable thoughtfulness for his traveling companion and wife. Porter promises to offer “in the fullest manner … every assistance on the part of myself & Mrs. Porter but at the same time I must … that she may not be subjected to more inconvenience than is … necessary by the formalities exerted by the laws … If is absolutely necessary that she should go to Lancaster, I ask it as a favor that she may not be required to so until spring, when the … will be more agreeable”. Porter concludes that he “answered certain inquiries from the State Department yesterday, which will enable the Secretary to advise on my claim”.


Commodore David Porter (1780-1843) distinguished himself in the American navy, seeing action during the First Barbary War, the War of 1812, and later in the West Indies. He commanded the U.S.S. Constitution during the Napoleonic War era.


Porter was certainly no stranger to stressful legal entanglements that dragged out over several years. From 1823-1825, Porter commanded American forces in the Caribbean, where the navy was attempting to crack down on piracy. One of Porter’s officers was jailed during the campaign, so the commander invaded Fajardo, Puerto Rico, a Spanish controlled bastion, without official sanction from his superiors. The consequent court-martial charged Porter with insubordination and conduct unbecoming an officer. Porter eventually resigned from the U.S. navy in 1826, and later became commander-in-chief of the Mexican navy between 1826-1829.


In mid-March 1830, less than two months after penning this letter, 7th American President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) appointed Porter consul general to the Barbary States. By 1831, Porter had been reposted as charge d’affaires to the Ottoman Empire. He died in Constantinople twelve years later.


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