David D. Porter Papers

Collection

Identifier: A1238

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Collection consists primarily of correspondence to Admiral Porter from several high-ranking Union officers--including Generals Nathaniel P. Banks, Ulysses S. Grant, John A. McClernand, and William T. Sherman--regarding operations in the lower Mississippi River Valley. Collection contains accounts of the Yazoo River Expedition, the Arkansas Post Expedition, the Vicksburg Campaign, the siege of Jackson, Mississippi, and the Red River Campaign. Also contains information on gunboats and the operations of the Mississippi Squadron.

Dates

1862-1864

Creator

Abbott, Charles H. (Author, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

For permission to publish, quote from, or reproduce material in this collection, please contact the Archives Reference Desk at archives@mohistory.org. Copyright restrictions may apply. The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of copyright.

Biographical Sketch

David D. Porter was born June 8, 1813, in Chester, Pennsylvania. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1829. During the Civil War, he commanded the Mississippi Squadron, and after the fall of Vicksburg in July 1863 he was promoted to rear admiral. Following the unsuccessful Red River Campaign of 1864, he was sent to command the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. After the war, he served for several years as superintendent of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and in 1869 he moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as assistant to the Secretary of the Navy. He died February 13, 1891, in Washington, D.C.

Extent

0.75 Cubic Feet ( (2 boxes))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Physical and Technical Requirements

There are no physical or technical restrictions.

Donor Information

Collection was donated by William K. Bixby with the exception of document dated December 21, 1862, which was purchased from Forest H. Sweet, Battle Creek, Michigan, in July 1949.

Digital Copies

The David D. Porter Papers were digitized by Emma Marschall, February-April 2009. The images may be viewed online by clicking the links beside each item in the inventory.