Nothing Too Daring: A Biography of Commodore David Porter, 1780-1843

by David F. Long

Commodore David Dixon Porter made history when he took the USS Essex into the Pacific and crippled the British whaling industry during the War of 1812. While the first to suggest that the U.S. Navy force open Japan, he was also court-martialed for his unauthorized invasion of Spanish Puerto Rico. He later sought to reverse his fortunes in the Mexican Navy, and consistently suffered chaos in his personal and financial affairs. Nothing Too Daring offers an objective, thoroughly researched biography of one of America's most colorful naval officers.

Genres: History

434 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 1970

About the author

David Foster Long, Ph.D. (Columbia University; AB, Dartmouth University, 1939) was professor of history at the University of New Hampshire, specializing in American History and History of Foreign Relations.

Reviews

[Jerome Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed and well-researched biography. Every chapter is strong and contributes to the overall picture of Porter.

Although Porter considered his career a failure by his own standards, it was notable for many reasons: Porter commanded the first US warship to reach the Pacific, nearly wiped out Britain’s whaling industry during the War of 1812 and claimed America’s first overseas possessions (although Congress never acted on it) He changed the global economic patterns and helped give the US a whaling monopoly. After the war he helped shape US policy toward Latin America following the region’s war for independence from Spain, and he later became America’s first ambassador to the Ottomans. He was on intimate terms with four presidents (both friendly and hostile) and such figures as Clay, Gallatin, and Lafayette.

Long also covers the failures of Porter’s career: the Philadelphia, the surrender to a British warship he unnecessarily challenged to a duel (commanded by an officer well-known for ignoring the rules associated with them) and his court-martial and relief from command following an unauthorized invasion of Puerto Rico. Following this, Porter left for Mexico, where he had no real success. He was always in debt, many of his children died before he did, and later in his life he separated from his wife.

A well-written and balanced biography.

[QOH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I burned through three highlighters and two packages of mini-sticky notes. That's how good this biography is. Incredibly well researched, wry, and fair. I'm completely envious of the students who were fortunate enough to study with him.

[Jerry Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a life! While not necessarily a likable figure, more students of history should study the life and career of Commodore David Porter. Absolutely fascinating, and aside from a few stylistic critiques, Long does a good job of guiding readers along this narrative.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, highly readable biography of one of America's early naval heroes, a man who in many ways was a victim of his own hubris. Detailed research and good writing make this a keeper on my history shelf. I first read it when I was writing Captain Sinister's Lady in the late 90s, and now I'm re-reading parts of it for my next novel. It's a pleasure to re-visit such a good biography.