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David Porter Signed as Navy Board Commissioner “FREE” Frank 1822 Postal Cover to Capt. William Bainbridge, Phila

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Commodore DAVID PORTER (1780-1843). U.S. Naval Officer; as a Midshipman in 1798 he served in the Quasi-War with France; was taken Prisoner in the First Barbary War; Gained fame in the War of 1812, when as Commander of the USS Essex, he captured the first British warship of that conflict the HMS Alert; Served as a Member of the Board of Navy Commissioners, Died in Constantinople while serving as US Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.

Boldly Signed, "D. Porter" huge 2.5” long, Free Frank signature as a Member of the Board of Navy Commissioners, on an 1822 Postal Cover with brown "WASHN. CITY" postmark, and brown "FREE" handstamp, Fine. This historic postal cover was addressed to “Capt. William Bainbridge”, at Philadelphia (no letter present). William Bainbridge (1774-1833) was Porter's commander on the USS Philadelphia when she ran aground at Tripoli in 1803 and captured, with both Bainbridge and Porter imprisoned there until released in 1805. He achieved national fame during the War of 1812 as Commander of the USS Constitution (a.k.a. Old Ironsides) in defeating the HMS Java off the coast of Brazil, for which he was Awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. Docketing in Bainbridge's hand. There are a few partial fold splits, none affecting the vivid huge signature.

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF

AMBASSADOR J. WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II


David Porter (1780-1843) was a distinguished American naval officer who played a significant role in the early history of the United States Navy.

David Porter was born on February 1, 1780, in Boston, Massachusetts, into a seafaring family. His father, also named David Porter, was a naval officer, and his family had a strong maritime tradition.

Porter began his naval career in 1798 as a midshipman in the United States Navy. He gained valuable experience during the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War against the Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean.

During the War of 1812, Porter served with distinction. He commanded the United States frigate USS Essex and achieved notable success in disrupting British whaling operations in the Pacific Ocean. However, in 1814, the Essex was captured by the British in the Pacific.

After his release from British captivity in 1815, Porter faced a court-martial due to the loss of the Essex, though he was later vindicated. He continued his naval service and held various commands, contributing to anti-piracy efforts in the West Indies.

In the 1820s, Porter was involved in surveying and exploring the Pacific coast of South America. He also served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire from 1829 to 1831.

David Porter reached the rank of Commodore in the U.S. Navy.

He died on March 3, 1843, in Pera (modern-day Beyoglu), Istanbul, while still serving as the U.S. ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.

Porter's contributions to naval operations during the War of 1812, particularly his exploits in the Pacific, earned him acclaim and recognition. His son, David Dixon Porter, also became a distinguished naval officer during the American Civil War and later served as the Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy.

David Porter's career spanned critical periods in U.S. naval history, and he made notable contributions both in combat and in diplomatic and exploratory missions. His legacy is remembered for his service, leadership, and the naval tradition that extended through his family.
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