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
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(1843-03-03) (aged 63) Constantinople, Ottoman Empire (now Istanbul, Turkey)
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	Quasi War Constellation vs L'Insurgente Action of 1 January 1800 (WIA) First Barbary War Capture of USS Philadelphia War of 1812 USS Essex vs HMS Alert Action off Charles Island Nuku Hiva Campaign Battle of Valparaiso West Indies Anti-Piracy Operations

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.