Letter to a friend regarding his appointment as Minister to Turkey.

Autographed letter signed to Lieutenant Henry H. Gorringe, Commanding Officer, USS Philadelphia, Key West, Fla. from Washington, D.C., in which he asks for information on the defense and fortifications of Havana, Little Madel, and elsewhere in Cuba, and Spanish naval activities there. Requests secrecy and promises to reward Gorringe.

Autographed letter signed from Chester ? to an unnamed individual regarding a report of French General Simon Bernard (1779-1839) regarding the best locations of the Navy Shipyards on the East Coast. Porter points out errors in his report and the fact that it conflicts with the report of the Board of Navy Commissioners. He feels that military men are not qualified to decide on naval matters.

Holograph letter to Governor A. H. Rice regarding an invitation to Boston on the occasion of a presidential visit.

Letter to Edward Bok, Editor of Ladies' Home Journal, regarding receipt of a book memorializing Henry W. Beecher.

Holograph letter signed New Orleans, La., to Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton concerning his drawing up bills of exchange for $3952.54 for payment for repair of vessels. Payment was due prior to death of William Spence.

Letter to Reverend J. P. Newman regarding the appointment of an ordinary seaman.

Manuscript letter to Reverend Dr. Newman acknowledging receipt of his "very interesting work."

Letter to Samuel Hambleton, Navy purser, with instructions regarding finances.

Letter to Samuel Hamblelon, Navy purser, thanking him for favors rendered.