David Porter (naval officer)

David Porter
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
PresidentMartin Van Buren
William Henry Harrison
John Tyler
Preceded byHimself as Chargé d'Affaires
Succeeded byDabney S. Carr
Chargé d'Affaires of the United States to the Ottoman Empire
In office
September 13, 1831 – May 23, 1840
PresidentAndrew Jackson
Martin Van Buren
Preceded byGeorge W. Erving
Succeeded byHimself as Minister Resident
Personal details
BornFebruary 1, 1780
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
DiedMarch 3, 1843(1843-03-03) (aged 63)
Constantinople, Ottoman Empire
(now Istanbul, Turkey)
Signature
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Mexico
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy
Mexican Navy
Years of service1798–1825 (United States)
1826–1829 (Mexico)
RankCommodore
CommandsUSS 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.

  1. ^ Gilje, Paul A. Free Trade and Sailors' Rights in the War of 1812, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2013, ISBN 9781107607828, p. 1.