PORTER, DAVID DIXON
\pˈɔːtə], \pˈɔːtə], \p_ˈɔː_t_ə]\
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(June 8, 1813-February 13, 1891), son of David Porter, and one of the most distinguished American naval officers, accompanied his father in his voyages, and became a midshipman in 1829. He had served in the Mexican War, and had commanded California mail steamers, when the Civil War called out his powers. With the control of the mortar fleet he, in April, 1862, bombarded Forts Jackson and St. Philip, aiding Farragut in the great feat of taking New Orleans. He was continuously active in the operations near Vicksburg that year, commanded the Mississippi squadron, and captured Arkansas Post in January, 1863. Promoted to be rear-admiral Porter, in May, 1863, took Grand Gulf near Vicksburg and cooperated with Grant in the reduction of that stronghold. The following year he aided Banks in the Red River expedition. Transferred the same year to the North Atlantic squadron Admiral Porter commanded the powerful naval contingents in the two assaults on Fort Fisher, December, 1864, and January, 1865; in the latter. Porter and General Terry succeeded in reducing this last of the important sea fortresses left to the Confederates. He was promoted to be vice-admiral in 1866 and admiral in 1870. Until 1869 he was superintendent of the naval academy. Besides writing a life of his father and other naval works Admiral Porter was also a successful novelist.
By John Franklin Jameson
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