American naval officer (1780–1843) who led the first capture of a British vessel during the War of 1812 and who later served as commander-in-chief of the Mexican Navy. LS signed “D. Porter,” one page, 8 x 10, June 6, 1812. Letter to Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton. In part: “Doct. Julius R. Shuemate has been doing the duty of Surgeon of the Essex since he joined her…it would afford me much pleasure if [he] could be continued as Surgeon of the Ship. I beg that an experienced mate may be ordered to join us, as in the event of an engagement the Surgeon could not do the duty of his station without an assistant…I beg also that music may be ordered to us, as it is indispensably necessary in getting the crew speedily to quarters.” Hamilton has written his response in the lower left corner, which reads, in full: “To be referred to Comm. Rodgers who is required to enjoin all under his command that they communicate to him, and not individually to this Department...There must be subordination in our Navy for it to be useful to our Country.” Framed to an overall size of 9 x 11, which is in turn framed with a color portrait and small plaque to an overall size of 22.5 x 17.5. Small area of paper loss to left edge affecting a single word of text, ink blot over a word in Hamilton’s response, intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and some light paper loss along a horizontal fold, otherwise very good condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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