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Peter Buell Porter (1773-1844) was an American lawyer, soldier, and politician. He served as a representative of New York before and after the War of 1812. Concurrently, he served on the Erie Canal Commission, and as the Secretary of State of New York. During the war, he raised a brigade that included Indian troops, and later distinguished himself at the Battle of Chippewa (July, 1814). He served as Secretary of War under President John Quincy Adams from May, 1828 to March, 1829.
Peter Porter in Trail of Glory[]
Peter Porter was a critical political adviser to Henry Clay during the latter's successful bid for the presidency in 1824.
The Battle of Chippewa[]
While Porter had distinguished himself prior to the Battle of Chippewa, his participation in the battle was less than spectacular. Porter commanded Third Brigade, which was composed primarily of militia and Indian allies. On July 5, 1814, Porter's men were engaged by British skirmishers, and soon collapsed. While the Americans carried the day, it was no thanks to Porter's troops.
Porter remembered the battle, and the stalwart way Sgt. Patrick Driscol, part of First Brigade, handled himself. A decade later, Porter warned Henry Clay not to underestimate Driscol, now the Laird of Arkansas Chiefdom.
| Political offices (OTL) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by William Kirkpatrick |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 15th Congressional District |
Succeeded by John M. Bowers, Joel Thompson |
| Preceded by Samuel M. Hopkins, Nathaniel W. Howell |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 21st Congressional District |
Succeeded by Archibald S. Clarke, Micah Brooks |
| Preceded by Jacob R. Van Rensselaer |
Secretary of State of New York 1815 - 1816 |
Succeeded by Robert L. Tillotson |
| Preceded by James Barbour |
Secretary of War 1828 - 1829 |
Succeeded by John Henry Eaton |
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