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Porter (DAVID DIXON an American naval)

DAVID DIXON, an American naval officer; born in Chester, Pa., June 8, 1813; son of Commodore David Porter. He entered the navy as midshipman in 1829, was employed in 1836 to 1841 in the survey of the coast of the United States; in 1841 appointed as lieutenant to the frigate "Congress." In 1845 was transferred to the National Observatory at Washington, and during the Mexican War to the naval rendezvous at New Orleans; again to the coast survey, and from 1849 to 1853 engaged in command of the California mail steamers. At the commencement of the Civil War he was appointed commander of the steam sloop-of-war, "Powhatan"; distinguishing himself in the capture of New Orleans, and commanded the gunboat and mortar flotilla which co-operated with the squadron of Admiral Farragut in the first attack on Vicksburg. In the fall of 1862 he was placed in command of all the naval forces on the W. rivers above New Orleans, with the rank of rear-admiral. After the war he was appointed superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, Annapo-ing most of the rest of the war. lis. He was made vice-admiral in 1866, PORTER of War General Porter became the assistant secretary, and during his chief's service as President acted as private secretary. General Porter then went into business and was exceedingly successful. He was president of the General National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Grant Monument Association. The completion of the Grant monument is largely the result of his efforts. In 1897 he was appointed by President McKinley ambassador to France.