Thomas Porter (dramatist)

For this, he was for a short time imprisoned, and the contract of marriage was declared null and void by the quarter sessions of Middlesex on 17 July following.

On 26 March of the same year, Porter killed a soldier named Thomas Salkeld in Covent Garden, probably in a duel, and was consequently tried for murder.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter, was allowed benefit of clergy, and was sentenced to be burned in the hand.

On 28 July 1667, Porter had a duel with his friend, Sir Henry Belasyse, fully documented by Samuel Pepys, who remarked on the "silliness of the quarrel".

Belasyse was mortally wounded, and Porter, who was also hurt, had to leave the country.