Andrew Porter Powders Yorktown
Andrew Porter was an important Captain of Artillery during the Revolutionary War.
Although Porter did run into an issue regarding rank, he was valuable to General Washington at Yorktown and went on to become a Major General in the Pennsylvania Militia.
Andrew Porter
When Andrew Porter joined the Continental Army, he was originally a Captain of Marines.
After two years, however, he decided to move over to Artillery hoping to work directly under Henry Knox.
He was again made a Captain in his new outfit, but this was not without its controversy…
Sorting Rank
Apparently, a man named Isaac Craig had also been appointed Captain in the same unit.
Craig, however, was at sea.
When he returned years later, Craig believed himself to outrank Andrew Porter.
After a heated exchange (including Porter contacting General Washington), it was decided that Andrew was the senior officer.
Arming Artillery
Porter would serve in many of the major battles undertaken by the Main Army.
While at Yorktown, Washington placed Andrew in charge of securing the artillery’s gunpowder.
When the war was over, Porter continued serving in the Pennsylvania Militia and eventually achieved the rank of Major General.
He would later serve as his State’s Surveyor General.
Powerful Progeny
Perhaps most interesting about Porter are his descendants.
Of his many children, two sons would be Governors...one of Pennsylvania and one of the Michigan Territory. Another would serve as Secretary of War for Resident John Tyler.
He also had a great-granddaughter, Mary Todd, who married some guy named Abraham Lincoln.
Want to read about other Brigadier Generals in the Revolutionary War?
Great! Check out these articles:
John Lacey and the Battle of Crooked Billet
James Potter Owns an Entire County
John Armstrong, Sr and the Pennsylvania Militia
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