Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Porter, David Dixon (1813-1891) General Order

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03810 Author/Creator: Porter, David Dixon (1813-1891) Place Written: Aboard the USS Black Hawk at Mound City, Illinois Type: Document Date: 28 September 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 24.8 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy

Printed general order from Rear Admiral Porter as Commander of the Mississippi Squadron. Porter was taking the leave of his officers and men as he assumed command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Praises their actions and says their efforts have been fruitful. Says that "Our commerce is now successfully, if not quietly, transported on the broad Mississippi, from one end to the other, and the same may almost be said with regard to its tributaries. These results are owing to the indomitable spirit evinced by the officers and men of the Mississippi Squadron." Stresses that they need to remain disciplined and vigilant.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources