David Porter | |
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![]() A portrait of Porter as a captain in the United States Navy | |
United States Minister Resident to the Ottoman Empire | |
In office May 23, 1840 – March 3, 1843 | |
President | Martin Van Buren William Henry Harrison John Tyler |
Preceded by | Himself as Chargé d'Affaires |
Succeeded by | Dabney S. Carr |
Chargé d'Affaires of the United States to the Ottoman Empire | |
In office September 13, 1831 – May 23, 1840 | |
President | Andrew Jackson Martin Van Buren |
Preceded by | George W. Erving |
Succeeded by | Himself as Minister Resident |
Personal details | |
Born | February 1, 1780 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Died | March 3, 1843 Constantinople, Ottoman Empire (now Istanbul, Turkey) | (aged 63)
Signature | ![]() |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States Mexico |
Branch/service | United States Navy Mexican Navy |
Years of service | 1798–1825 (United States) 1826–1829 (Mexico) |
Rank | Commodore |
Commands | USS Amphitheatre USS Constitution USS Enterprise New Orleans Squadron USS Essex USS Firefly West Indies Squadron |
Battles/wars | |
David Porter (February 1, 1780 – March 3, 1843) was an officer in the United States Navy in the rank of captain and the honorary title of commodore. Porter commanded a number of U.S. naval ships. He saw service in the First Barbary War, the War of 1812 and in the West Indies. On July 2, 1812, Porter hoisted the banner "Free trade and sailors' rights" as captain of USS Essex.[1] The phrase resonated with many Americans. Porter was later court martialed; he resigned and then joined and became commander-in-chief of the Mexican Navy. Porter County, Indiana was named after him.