One of the Admiral's most pleasing traits was his appreciation of the services of his assistants.

He complimented Bailey in glowing terms in his official report, secured his promotion to brigadier-general and presented him with a sword which cost nearly a thousand dollars.
[Illustration: BREAKING THROUGH THE DAMS ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.] Porter was now transferred to the North Atlantic Squadron and commanded the powerful naval contingents in the two attacks on Fort Fisher, December, 1864, and January, 1865.

In the latter Porter and General Terry succeeded in capturing the last important sea fortress belonging to the Confederates.

Porter was promoted to be vice-admiral in 1866 and admiral in 1870.

He was superintendent of the naval academy until 1869, and died in Washington, February 13, 1891, one day before the death of General Sherman..