He had, years before, married the sister of Isaac L. Baker, of the Attakapas country, by whom he had two daughters.  One of them had died in early life; the other—­a most lovely woman—­was under the care of his maiden sister, who resided with him, and had charge of his household until her death.  Subsequently to the death of this lady, this only child was married to Mr. Alston, of South Carolina, but survived her marriage only a short time, dying childless.

He was successful in his canvass for the Senate, and in that body he soon became prominent as an orator of great powers, and as a most active business man.  It was here the long-existing acquaintance with Mr. Clay ripened into deep friendship.  Porter had always been the supporter of the views of Mr. Clay, and during his six years’ service in the Senate, he gave a hearty and efficient support to the measures representing the policy of that great statesman.

After the expiration of his senatorial term he retired with an exhausted constitution to his elegant home in the parish of St. Mary, where he devoted himself to his planting interest, now very large.  After the death of his daughter, his health declined rapidly; yet, notwithstanding his debilitated condition, he was chosen by a Democratic Legislature, a second time, as senator to the United States Congress; but he never took his seat.  Just before the meeting of Congress, he visited Philadelphia for the purpose of obtaining medical advice.  Dr. Chapman made a thorough examination of his case, which he pronounced ossification of the arteries of the heart, and which was rapidly progressing.  He advised the Judge to return immediately home, and not to think of taking his seat in the Senate, as he was liable to die at any moment, and certainly must die in a very short time.  He left immediately for his home.

Some years before this, Mr. Clay found himself so embarrassed that it was necessary for him to apply to his friends for aid.  Judge Porter came forward and loaned him a large sum, for which he held his note.  Upon reaching Maysville, in descending the Ohio, on his return from Philadelphia, Porter debarked, and went, by stage, to Lexington, where he visited Mr. Clay, and spent one night with him.  Finding his disease increasing, and fearing, unless he hurried, that he might never reach home, he declined a longer visit.  When in the carriage, (so it was stated at the time, but I do not vouch for the fact,) he took the hand of Mr. Clay, and, pressing it tenderly, said, “Farewell until eternity!” and bade the boy drive on.  Mr. Clay found his note left in his hand, marked across the face, “Paid.”