Christian Porck


Christian Porck was a Danish captain and governor of Tranquebar from 1687 to 1689 and again from 1690 to 1694.

Career

Porck was installed as Vice Governor of Tranquebar by Governor Wolf Henrik von Kalnein in October 1687, being described as a manly and powerful captain. Practically, Porck became governor and was very capable in this position, representing Denmark's interests in the area and stabilizing the colony.
In 1689, Porck was excused as governor in favour of Moritz Hartmann, who was sent from Copenhagen. However, Porck retained his title as Vice Governor and was reinstated as practical governor the following year, as Hartmann left Tranquebar. Subsequently, on 3 October 1691, Porck received an official royal appointment to his position as governor and Commander of Dansborg.
Between 1690 and 1692, Porck improved the bastions around the city, which were initiated by the previous governor, von Kalnein. A proposal of his to further the construction of the bastions was adopted by the council of the Danish East India Company on 13 December 1690. As a result, the number of men working on the construction became over 1,5 years. Porck would die in Tranquebar in 1694, being succeeded by Claus Vogdt.

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