Letter signed ("David D. Porter") as Rear Admiral, to Brigadier General Thomas Francis Meagher. Cape Fear River, 22 February 1865. One and one-half pages, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 in., on "North Atlantic Squadron, US Flag-Ship 'Malvern'" letterhead (toning, light soiling, tape repair near central vertical fold). With "The Contracting Lines of the Rebellion" map affixed to verso, likely clipped from a newspaper (tear to map). 

Porter writes to Meagher, "It would have given me great pleasure to have obliged you but the 'Britannia' in which your young friend is serving is no longer under my command. I have even made it a rule to examine officers when recommended and I should have taken great pleasure in doing this for the young man at any time should his Cmndg Officer have desired it."