DAVID PORTER (1780-1843). United States Navy officer with the rank of Captain and the title of Commodore; Porter commanded a number of U.S. Navy Warships including the frigate USS Constitution; while seeing active service in the First Barbary War, the War of 1812, and in the West Indies.
January 7, 1821-Dated, Manuscript Document Autograph Pay Order Signed, “D Porter”, measuring 8” x 4”, 1 page, Washington, Very Fine. Some old white fabric reinforcement tape on the unseen blank reverse side. Here David Porter orders the payment of $25 to a Sailor, cut-cancel at lower right, just touching the left side of Porter’s bold, massive 3.25” long, vivid signature. Porter served in the Navy continuously from about 1798 to 1826, when he left after a being tried for carrying out a punitive incident against Fajardo, Puerto Rico for jailing one of his officers. He later served as Commander-in-Chief of the Mexican Navy from 1826 to 1829. He even later served as U.S. Minister to the Barbary States, and died while serving as U.S. Minister to Turkey.
David Porter Esq. of the United States Navy (February 1, 1780 - March 3, 1843) was an Commanding Officer in the United States Navy in the rank of Captain and the honorary title of Commodore. David Porter commanded a number of U.S. naval warships, including the frigate USS Constitution.

Porter saw service in the First Barbary War, the War of 1812 and in the West Indies. On July 2, 1812, Porter hoisted the banner "Free trade and sailors' rights" as Captain of USS Essex. The phrase resonated with many Americans. Porter was later court martialed; he resigned, and then joined and became the Commander-in-Chief of the Mexican Navy.
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