DAVID DIXON PORTER, Autograph Letter Signed

AutographsCivil War Admiral David Dixon Porter Autograph Letter With 1865 Portrait

DAVID DIXON PORTER, Civil War Union Naval Officer.
This is a 1 page, undated, Autograph Letter Signed, "David D. Porter - Admiral" and measuring 8" x 5," was written from "Washington City" to a woman admirer who was apparently seeking an autograph. Admiral Porter has accommodated her by means of his huge 4.25" signature. This letter is in excellent condition, without tears or foxing. The second, blank page has traces of previous mounting on the back, not affecting the letter page. This letter reads, in full:
"Dear Madam - It gives me great pleasure to comply with your request and I hope this short note may answer the purpose intended. With Respects - David D. Porter - Admiral."
Also, an 11" x 8.25" engraved portrait of David D. Dixon, published in 1865 by Virtue & Yorston of New York, on heavy paper. The portrait was made from a photograph by Matthew Brady, and is surrounded by American flags, American warships, a Monitor beside a lighthouse, and a scene of Naval Action at Fort Fisher. Though he is not named on this print, a facsimile of his signature appears below the portrait. With only a bit of slight humidity tone at the top edge, this print is in excellent condition. (2 items).

David Dixon Porter (1813-1891) an important American naval officer, served under his father, David Porter, in the West Indies and in the Mexican Navy before joining the U.S. Navy in 1829. He served in the Mexican War and was promoted to commander in the American Civil War, where serving under his foster brother, David Farragut, he helped to win the Battle of New Orleans. In 1863 he succeeded in running his fleet past the Confederate fort at Vicksburg, to meet Ulysses S. Grant's troops and complete the effort to open the Mississippi River to Union forces. For this action, he was promoted to Rear Admiral on July 4, 1863. After the war he served as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy (1865–1869), was promoted to Vice Admiral in July 1866, and to full admiral in 1870.