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Porter (FITZ-JOHN an American military)

FITZ-JOHN, an American military officer; born in Portsmouth, N.

H., June 13, 1822; was graduated at the United States Military Academy in 1845; served in the Mexican War, and made brevet captain and major for gallantry at Molino del Rey and Chapultepec. In 1861 was appointed colonel of the 15th U. S. Infantry, displaying great gallantry at Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill, Antietam, and Mechanicsville. For an alleged disobedience at the second battle of Bull Run, Aug. 29, 1862, Porter was court-martialed, and on Jan. 21, 1863, was cashiered. In 1878 a trial was granted, and the court recommended that the former sentence be reversed, and that he be restored to his former rank in the army, but no decisive action was taken In 1882 President Arthur remitted so much of the penalty as prohibited him from holding office. New evidence came to light, General Grant affirming that Porter had been unjustly treated, and a bill was introduced in Congress providing for his reinstatement. In 1886 the bill passed both Houses, and became a law by the signature of the President. He died in Morristown, N. J., May 21, 1901.