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Navigating the Tides of Command

An in-depth academic exploration of Commodore Isaac Hull's pivotal role in early American naval history, from the decks of 'Old Ironsides' to the complexities of shore command and his lasting impact.

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Overview

A Distinguished Naval Career

Commodore Isaac Hull (March 9, 1773 – February 13, 1843) was a prominent officer in the United States Navy, whose career spanned critical periods in American history, including the Quasi-War, the Barbary Wars, and the War of 1812. His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in shaping the nascent U.S. Navy.

Commander of Legendary Vessels

Throughout his service, Hull commanded several significant warships, including the USS Argus, USS Chesapeake, USS President, and most famously, the USS Constitution. His command of 'Old Ironsides' during the War of 1812 led to one of the most celebrated naval victories in American history.

The Triumph of the Constitution

Hull's most notable achievement was the capture of the British frigate HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812. This decisive victory not only elevated Hull to national hero status but also served as a powerful symbol of American naval capability against the formidable British fleet. His strategic brilliance and the superior training of his crew were key factors in this engagement.

Early Life

Formative Years in Connecticut

Born on March 9, 1773, in Derby, Connecticut (with some historical accounts suggesting Huntington, now Shelton, Connecticut), Isaac Hull's early life was deeply intertwined with maritime pursuits. He frequently accompanied his father, Joseph, a mariner, on voyages ranging from local trips to extensive journeys to the West Indies, gaining invaluable practical experience at sea from a young age.

Mentorship and Merchant Service

Following the untimely death of his father, Hull was adopted by his uncle, William Hull, a distinguished veteran of the American Revolutionary War. This familial connection likely instilled in him a sense of patriotic duty and military discipline. By the mid-1790s, Hull had ascended to command several merchant vessels, a period during which he also experienced the perils of the sea, losing some ships to French Republic privateers, which underscored the volatile geopolitical landscape of the era.

The Constitution

Master of 'Old Ironsides'

Assuming command of the USS Constitution in June 1810, Captain Isaac Hull found his true calling. He meticulously trained his young officers and enlisted men, many of whom were new to naval service, with daily gunnery drills to instill confidence and competence. His leadership style, characterized by a balance of strict discipline and concern for his crew's welfare, made him one of the most popular captains in the service. Hull's exceptional seamanship and navigational skills were soon to be tested on the high seas.

The Great Escape of July 1812

As the War of 1812 erupted, Hull's strategic prowess was immediately evident. In July 1812, the Constitution found itself pursued by five ships of the formidable British Halifax Squadron for an arduous 64 hours. Through ingenious tactics, including warping his ship ahead and using longboats to tow the frigate, Hull skillfully evaded capture. This remarkable escape solidified his reputation for courage, daring, and unparalleled seamanship, demonstrating the capabilities of American naval strategy.

Victory over HMS Guerriere

On August 19, 1812, the USS Constitution engaged the British frigate HMS Guerriere in a legendary battle. Hull's calm command, instructing his gunners, "No firing at random. Let every man look well to his aim," proved decisive. The Constitution's "double-shotted" broadsides at close range inflicted catastrophic damage, dismasting the Guerriere and rendering her a wreck. The battle, which saw 7 American casualties against 93 British, earned the Constitution its famous nickname, "Old Ironsides," and propelled Hull to national heroism, signaling a new era for the U.S. Navy.

The engagement was a testament to American naval training and ship construction. Key moments included:

  • Initial Maneuvers: Captain James Richard Dacres of Guerriere initially attempted to cripple Constitution from a distance, but Hull's ship proved too resilient.
  • Close-Quarters Combat: Hull waited until the ships were "less than a pistol shot" apart before unleashing a devastating broadside.
  • Structural Damage: Within fifteen minutes, Guerriere lost her mizzen mast, main yard, foremast, main mast, and jib boom, leaving her a helpless hulk.
  • The "Iron Sides" Legend: A British shot reportedly struck the Constitution's hull and fell out, leading to the cry, "Huzza! Her sides are made of iron!"
  • Aftermath: Hull, a magnanimous victor, returned Captain Dacres' sword. The severely damaged Guerriere was deemed unsalvageable and was set ablaze and blown up the following day.

For this triumph, Congress awarded Hull a gold medal, his commissioned officers received silver copies, and the entire crew shared $50,000 in prize money.

Shore Duty

Portsmouth Navy Yard Command

Following his heroic victory, Hull was assigned command of the Portsmouth Navy Yard in Kittery, Maine, from April 1813 to July 1815. His tenure focused on critical wartime efforts, including the fitting out of USS Congress, the construction of USS Washington, and enhancing the yard's defenses. A significant innovation under his leadership was the construction of a shiphouse in December 1813, providing essential cover for shipbuilding during the harsh New England winters and demonstrating his practical approach to naval infrastructure.

Board of Navy Commissioners

From 1815 to 1817, Hull served on the Board of Navy Commissioners (BNC) in Washington D.C., alongside Commodores David Porter and John Rodgers. This board held significant authority over naval procurement, ship outfitting, armament, and oversight of naval shipyards. The BNC's critical report highlighted shortcomings in existing yards, recommending that only Portsmouth and Boston were suitable for large ship construction year-round. They also criticized the Washington Navy Yard for its shallow navigation and "unsuited" employment practices, issues Hull would later confront directly.

Charlestown & Washington Yards

Hull's command of the Charlestown Navy Yard (Boston Navy Yard) was challenging, marked by administrative unfamiliarity and public accusations from officers and civilians, leading to a Naval Court of Inquiry in 1822. While largely exonerated, the experience left him disillusioned. Later, as Commandant of the Washington Navy Yard (1829–1835), Hull faced a shift towards ordnance production and a complex workforce of white mechanics, laborers, and enslaved and free blacks. His efforts to reform employment practices and address alleged thefts led to significant labor unrest, culminating in the 1835 WNY Strike and the infamous Snow Riot, a period of racial discord and social upheaval that deeply affected Hull and ultimately led to his departure.

The 1835 Washington Navy Yard strike was a multifaceted event:

  • Immediate Cause: Hull's orders limiting lunch breaks and items brought into the yard, prompted by concerns over government property theft.
  • Underlying Tensions: The strike was fueled by the broader ten-hour day movement, the Board of Navy Commissioners' resistance to reducing the workweek, and the influence of other shipyard workers advocating for general strikes.
  • Racial Discord: The strike quickly escalated into the Snow Riot, as unemployed white workers, inflamed by false rumors, targeted the black community, highlighting deep-seated racial resentments and economic anxieties.
  • Presidential Intervention: President Andrew Jackson, sympathetic to the strikers, intervened, describing Hull's order as "despotic."
  • Resolution and Aftermath: A mediated compromise allowed workers to return, but they suffered financial losses, and the event exposed the fragility of their bargaining power and exacerbated racial mistrust. Hull, deeply offended by the conduct of the strikers and the pressure for compromise, requested a leave of absence and never returned to the Washington Navy Yard.

Later Life

European Squadron Command

From 1839 to 1841, Commodore Hull assumed command of the European Squadron, with USS Ohio serving as his flagship. This squadron also included the frigate USS Brandywine and the sloops-of-war USS Preble and USS Cyane. This final major command saw him overseeing American naval interests abroad, a testament to his enduring reputation and trust within the Navy despite the challenges faced in his shore assignments.

Retirement and Passing

After a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Commodore Isaac Hull was rendered unfit for further active service due to age and declining health. He spent his final two years on leave, eventually passing away at the age of 69 on February 13, 1843, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His remains were interred at the historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, marking the end of a life dedicated to the service and defense of the United States.

Legacy

Honored in Naval Tradition

Isaac Hull's profound impact on the United States Navy is commemorated through the naming of five naval vessels in his honor: USS Commodore Hull, USS Hull (DD-7), USS Hull (DD-330), USS Hull (DD-350), and USS Hull (DD-945). These ships serve as a continuous reminder of his contributions to American naval power and his iconic victory aboard the USS Constitution.

Enduring Public Recognition

Beyond naval vessels, Hull's legacy is etched into the American landscape. The Commodore Isaac Hull Memorial Bridge, spanning the Housatonic River between Derby and Shelton, Connecticut, stands as a testament to his local origins and national significance. Additionally, several streets across the United States, including Hull Avenue in The Bronx, New York, Hull Street in Richmond, Virginia, Hull Street in Montgomery, Alabama, and Hull Street in Savannah, Georgia, bear his name, often alongside other naval heroes of his era. Fort Hull, a fortification built during the Creek War, was also named in his honor, further cementing his place in American history.

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References

References

  1.  Toll, Ian W. Six Frigates The Epic History of the Founding of The U.S. Navy Norton: New York 2006 p. 337.
  2.  Maloney, Linda M. The Captain from Connecticut: The Life and Naval Times of Isaac Hull. Northeastern University Press: Boston, 1986 p. 60.
  3.  McKee, Christopher A Gentlemanly and Honorable Profession The Creation of the U.S.Naval Officer Corps, 1794–1815 Naval Institute Press: Annapolis 1991, p. 471.
  4.  Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers, Volume II, Parts 2 of 3, United States Government Printing Office: Washington DC 1940, p. 509.
  5.  Brodine, Charles E., Crawford, Michael and Hughes, Christine (2007). Ironside! The Ship, the Men and the Wars of the USS Constitution, Fireship Press, p. 22.
  6.  Dudley, William S. The Naval War of 1812 Volume I, Naval Historical Center: Washington DC 1985, pp. 160–161.
  7.  The War of 1812 Writings from America's Second War of Independence editor Donald R. Hickey Library of America: New York, 2013, p. 125.
  8.  Logbooks and Journals 1798–1934 of the USS Constitution,, August 9, 1812, NARA Washington D.C Microfilm 1030, Reel 1 RG24.
  9.  Naval War of 1812: A Documentary History, editor William S. Dudley, U.S. Naval Historical Center, Washington DC 1985, pp. 240–241.
  10.  Borneman, Walter R. 1812: The War That Forged a Nation. New York: Harper Perennial, 2004, p. 87.
  11.  Sonnebon, Liz The War of 1812: History of the American Second War of Independence A Primary Source, Rosen Publishing Group, 2004, p. 25.
  12.  McKee, Christopher A Gentlemanly and Honorable Profession The Creation of the U.S.Naval Officer Corps, 1794–1815 Naval Institute Press: Annapolis 1991, pp. 468–471.
  13.  Henry, George (1892). A History of the United States Navy Yard Portsmouth N.H Preble, Government Printing Office: Washington DC. pp. 29–39.
  14.  The Naval War of 1812: A Documentary History, Volume II, editor William S. Dudley U.S. Naval Historical Center, Washington DC 1992, p. 196.
  15.  Schroeder, John H. (2006). Commodore John Rodgers: Paragon of the Early American Navy. University of Florida Press: Gainesville, p. 151.
  16.  Peck, Taylor, Round–shot to Rockets: A History of the Washington Navy Yard and U.S. Naval Gun Factory (Annapolis: United States Naval Institute, 1949), pp. 263–264.
  17.  Brown, Gordon S. The Captain Who Burned His Ships Captain Thomas Tingey, USN, 1750–1829 Naval Institute Press: Annapolis 2011, p. 147.
  18.  Sharp, John G. Washington Navy Yard Payroll April 1829 Genealogy Trails
  19.  Papers of Isaac Hull Commodore United States Navy, editor Allen, Gardner Weld The Boston Athenaeum 1929, pp. 80–81, 88–89.
  20.  Sharp, John G., The Diary of Michael Shiner Relating to the History of the Washington Navy Yard 1813–1869 Naval History and Heritage Command, 2015, p. 54.
  21.  Sharp, John G. History of the Washington Navy Yard Civilian Workforce 1799–1962 Vindolanda Press: Stockton, 2005, pp. 19–22.
  22.  Seaton, Josephine. William Winston Seaton of the National Intelligencer: A Biographical Sketch James R. Osgood: Boston, 1871, p. 217.
  23.  Sharp, John G. M., History of the Washington Navy Yard Civilian Workforce 1799–1962 Vindolanda Press: Stockton 2005, pp. 19–22.
  24.  Allen, Gardner Weld, Commodore Hull: Papers of Isaac Hull, Commodore United States Navy. The Boston Athenaeum: Boston, 1929, p. 98.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Isaac Hull Wikipedia page

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