David Dixon Porter: an autograph letter from the future United States Navy Admiral

David Dixon Porter: an autograph letter from the future United States Navy Admiral, as a young boy, to his mother, dated June 14th 1826, describing his journey to and arrival in Mexico. He writes 'Dear Mama.........Mexico......is not half as handsome as we expected. We departed from Vera Cruz on the 17th of May without catching the fever but we did not go on shore often so we were in no danger we all set out on horses or so they may be called for we could count every bone in their bodies and after a great many fatigues we arrived at Jalapa..... after passing through Puebla and a great many other places we arrived safe at Mexico [City] but.....we had to go to bed very often without our suppers for there was nothing to eat for us - we arrived at Mexico on the 28th of May'. He goes on to describe local sights and religious observances, and notes that 'Pa intends leaving me and Thomas here to acquire a knowledge of the language.' Accompanied by various associated fragments including two further signatures 'D Porter' and a small collection of other ephemera. Letter somewhat faded and stained, but intact with partial seal neatly cut around and address verso 'Mrs Evalina Porter/ Washington D.C.'

The author's father was a celebrated Naval veteran of the American War of Independence, who took service in the Mexican Navy following a dispute with his superiors. He took his nephew and two sons with him to serve as midshipmen, and though the author's brother Thomas died of yellow fever, he himself rose to prominence in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Mexican war of 1846-48 (his local knowledge giving an advantage in the amphibious operations of that war) and then playing a celebrated role in the American Civil war. The rank of admiral was created in the US navy in 1866, and he rose to it in 1870, only the second man so to do, after his step brother David Farragut.