Brigadier-General of U.S. Army. Porter, then a captain, led the first contingent of American troops to occupy Detroit in 1796.
Born at Porter's hill, Danvers, Mass., Mar. 26, 1767, son of Benjamin Porter. Enlisted when 18, and fought at Boston, Long Island, New York City. White Plains under Knox and Washington with whom he crossed the Delaware and fought at Trenton and Brandywine. Wounded at Ft. Mifflin. Was aid to have been first to raise stars and stripes in Michigan at Detroit in 1796. Commanded at Ft. Mackinac and Ft. Niagara. while on service in New Orleans in 1812 he was called to fortify Atlantic Coast where his engineering ability aided in construction of forts from New York to Maine. Sent to Niagara frontier as brigadier general; later to Fort Norfolk, Va. After the war was in charge of various districts in New York. Died in Boston, Apr. 14, 1822, and was buried in yard of Stone Chapel. Later his remains were removed to Walnut Grove Cemetery, Danvers. He was unmarried. (from Tapley, Chron. of Davers. p. 77-79) (blue index cards)
From the description of Moses Porter papers, 1792-1801 (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 607301903
