Horace Porter typescripts

Collection — Container: 1

Identifier: MS-0426

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of four typescripts presumably written by Porter, although mention of Porter in the paper on John Paul Jones puts this in some doubt. The four papers focus on various aspects of U.S. history. One describes the role of the Maryland regiment of the 79th division in the capture of the French town, Montfaucon, during the first world war. It also includes a history of Montfaucon written by Albert Leriche, the son of the owner of the chateau that the Germans commandeered for their headquarters. Another focuses on the battle of Santiago (Cuba) during the Spanish-American War, and the controversy that arose over which U.S. naval commander deserved credit for the victory. The third discusses John Paul Jones's last days in Paris, and the effort to have his remains removed to the United States. The last paper describes the unlikely friendship which developed between Abigail Adams and Benjamin Franklin.

Dates

Creation: 1923

Creator

Porter, Horace, 1837-1921 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is housed off-site and requires 48-hours' notice for retrieval. Contact Special Collections for more information.

This collection is open for use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical Note

Horace Porter was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania on April 15, 1837. He was the son of David Rittenhouse Porter, a former governor of Pennsylvania, and Josephine McDermett Porter. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) in 1860, and served on the staff of General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor at Chickamauga, and was breveted twice.

After the war, he worked for several railroads, and was made ambassador to France in 1897. In 1905, towards the end of his ambassadorship, he oversaw the disinterment of John Paul Jones' body from its grave in Paris, and its reinterment at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Porter died in New York City on May 29, 1901.

Extent

0.167 Cubic Feet (4 typescripts)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Horace Porter (1837-1921) was an American soldier and diplomat who served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War, personal secretary to General and President Ulysses S. Grant and to General William T. Sherman, vice president of the Pullman Palace Car Company and U.S. Ambassador to France from 1897 to 1905. The collection consists of four typescripts presumably written by Porter, but dating from approximately 1923.

Custodial History

The papers were transferred from the Rare Books cage in February, 1989

Related Materials

The following collection is related to the disinterment of John Paul Jones’ body from its grave in Paris and its reinterment at the U.S. Naval Academy:

Paul Weiss Papers, MS 385, Special Collections & Archives Department, Nimitz Library, United States Naval Academy