On June 25, 1869, Borie quietly resigned office, kept secret from the general public, serving only 3 months and 17 days in office. There was no formal explanation given other than that he was in frail health, running the Navy Department was overall too demanding for him, and he desired to return to his business. When it was announced that George M. Robeson had been nominated and replaced Borie, the public was shocked, not knowing that Borie had even resigned. Also Robeson was not known outside of New Jersey, his home state. Again, Grant did not seek Senate advise when finding an experienced candidate to run the Navy Department. Borie returned to his home in Philadelphia. Later career and travels Borie returned to private life and resumed his business interests. In his later business career, he interested himself in railroads and financial concerns. He was a noted patron of the arts. He remained close friends with Grant, whom he joined for much of his world tour in 1879-1879. In 1872, Borie was elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society. Death The demands of traveling abroad took a toll on Borie's health. Having returned to Philadelphia, he died on February 5, 1880, and was interred at Laurel Hill Cemetery. References Sources Bowers, Claude The Tragic Era: The Revolution After Lincoln (New York: Halcyon Press, 1929), p. 238-239. New York Times External links The Borie Family Papers, including personal and professional correspondence, business records, and various other materials, are available for research use at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 1809 births 1880 deaths 19th-century American politicians Burials at Laurel Hill Cemetery (Philadelphia) American diplomats American people of French descent Grant administration cabinet members Members of the Philadelphia Club Pennsylvania Republicans Pennsylvania Whigs Politicians from Philadelphia United States Secretaries of the Navy University of Pennsylvania alumni