Whymper sends a copy of his guide to Zermatt, his last production. 'Your name comes in in connection with the death of Mr Chester who was the only man I ever proposed for the Alpine Club.'
The reference is to the death of Henry Chester in 1869 while descending the Lyskamm. According to Whymper's Guide Porter was among those making enquiries the next morning.
Miss Tait comments at LC/M39.iii: 'I don't know how much Alpine climbing J.P. did, but he was reported once to have ascended the spire of Salisbury Cathedral right to the top.'