David Dixon Porter: the story on HearLore

The Mortar Boats And Vicksburg

In late 1861, the Navy Department began developing plans to open the Mississippi River. Porter claimed credit for suggesting the target and proposing tactics to be employed. Other writers state that Assistant Navy Secretary Gustavus V. Fox was the principal author. Porter organized a flotilla of some twenty mortar boats to participate in reducing forts defending New Orleans. The bombardment of Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip began on the 18th of April 1862. Porter opined that two days of concentrated fire would suffice. After five days, the forts seemed as strong as ever. Farragut decided to bypass the forts on the night of April 24. The fleet successfully ran past the forts while the mortars bombarded them to distract enemy gunners. Later, at Vicksburg, Porter brought his mortar flotilla up to suppress Rebel artillery. Only one vessel was lost during the passage of batteries on the 16th of April 1863. Grant later called off an assault after the upper fort remained standing. The city fell on the 4th of July 1863, marking a turning point in the war.

When did David Dixon Porter receive his official appointment as midshipman in the United States Navy?

David Dixon Porter received his official appointment as midshipman on the 2nd of February 1829. This event marked the beginning of a sixty-two-year career that spanned from childhood to old age.

What role did David Dixon Porter play during the bombardment of Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip in April 1862?

David Dixon Porter organized a flotilla of some twenty mortar boats to participate in reducing forts defending New Orleans. The bombardment began on the 18th of April 1862, though Farragut decided to bypass the forts on the night of April 24 while the mortars distracted enemy gunners.

How did David Dixon Porter reform the Naval Academy after Secretary Welles appointed him Superintendent in 1865?

David Dixon Porter resolved to change the academy by revising the curriculum to reflect naval life and enforcing strict discipline. He encouraged sports, taught social graces alongside technical skills, installed an honor system, and brought like-minded young officers to the faculty to ensure reforms endured.

Why was David Dixon Porter eased into semi-retirement in June 1875 despite reaching mandatory retirement age?

George Robeson replaced Adolph E. Borie as Secretary of the Navy and promptly curtailed Porter's powers due to powerful opposition from Congress and political generals. Porter faced these enemies who had contended with him during the war, leading to his removal from active influence even though he reached the mandatory retirement age of sixty-two in June 1875.

When did David Dixon Porter die and how long did he serve on active duty in the United States Navy?

David Dixon Porter died on the 13th of February 1891 at the age of seventy-seven. He served on active duty for sixty-two years, which represented one of the longest careers in its history.

David Dixon Porter.

The Mortar Boats And Vicksburg

Reforming Annapolis Standards

Political Struggles And Power

The Second Admiral Rank

Writing And Final Years

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