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Porter (HORACE an American diplomatist)

HORACE, an American diplomatist; born in Huntingdon, Pa., April 15, 1837, son of David R. Porter, who became governor of the State. After a year in the scientific department of Harvard University he entered the United States Military Academy. His graduation took place in 1860. After a brief space as instructor in artillery at West Point, he was assigned to duty in the Department of the East. He was promoted to be 1st lieutenant while under Sherman and Dupont in the expedition against Port Royal. In 1863 he was brevetted captain for gallant services at the capture of Fort Pulaski, where he had command of the siege batteries. In May, 1864, he was brevetted major for his conduct in the battle of the Wilderness. The next year found him brevet lieutenant-colonel, and 1865 brevet Brigadier-General of the United States army. He had been chief of ordnance of the army of the Potomac under General McClellan, but after the battle of Antietam was transferred first to the army of the Ohio and then to the army of the Cumberland. While on the staff of General Thomas at Chattanooga he became acquainted with General Grant.

Their intimacy lasted till Grant's death.

General Porter became an aide-de-camp on Grant's staff, and was with him dur- When General Grant became Secretary