New Orleans, Nov 13 (Orleans territory). Clear sharp ornamental cds on 1809 folded letter from Capt. David Porter to Secretary of Navy Paul Hamilton to Washington City, matching straight line "Free" handstamp; some slight edge splitting along folds, otherwise Very Fine. Estimate  $300 - 400. Captain David Porter was in charge of the naval forces at New Orleans from 1808 to 1810. As commander of USS Essex in the War of 1812, Captain Porter achieved fame by capturing the first British warship of the conflict, the HMS Alert. $0 (Image)