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Commodore Isaac Hull Autograph Letter Signed to the Secretary of Navy While Aboard the U.S. Frigate “United States”

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Commodore ISAAC HULL (1773-1843). Esteemed American Naval Officer in the United States Navy, best known for his distinguished service during the War of 1812; born in Derby, Connecticut; Hull gained renown for his Command of the frigate USS Constitution, famously nicknamed "Old Ironsides"; in August 1812, Hull achieved one of the most significant Naval victories of the war when he engaged and defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere in a decisive battle; one of the most accomplished naval officers of his time.

June 13th, 1825-Dated, Autograph Letter Signed, "Isaac Hull," as Commander of the Pacific Squadron, at 2 pages including an Integral Transmittal Address Leaf, Choice Very Fine. Written while Commander aboard the U.S. Frigate “United States”, to Samuel Southard, Secretary of the Navy at Washington, concerning pay for his sailors. Nicely written on clean wove period paper and easily readable with his prominent vivid signature. This Letter reads, in full:

“U.S. Frigate United States - Chouillos, Peru - June 13th, 1825 --- Sir, I have the honour to advise you that I have this day drawn upon the Navy Department, in favor of Colin Auld, Esq., for Twenty-five Hundred & Sixty-four Dollars for the disbursements of the United States Squadron in the Pacific Ocean under my command, from the Appropriation for “Pay” for which I hold myself accountable. -- With great respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Obdt. Servt, - (Signed) Isaac Hull”

Hull served as commander of the U.S. Pacific Squadron from 1823 to 1827. During this time, the Pacific Squadron was tasked with protecting American interests and projecting naval power in the Pacific Ocean, particularly along the west coast of the United States and in the Pacific territories. Boldly autographed “Isaac Hull” in rich brown ink measuring about 2.5” long with his flourish below.


Commodore Isaac Hull (1773-1843) was an esteemed naval officer in the United States Navy, best known for his distinguished service during the War of 1812. B orn in Derby, Connecticut, Hull came from a family with a strong maritime tradition. His father, Joseph Hull, was a respected shipbuilder.

Hull began his naval career at a young age, joining the merchant marine as a cabin boy before receiving a commission as a lieutenant in the newly formed United States Navy in 1798. Throughout the late 1790s and early 1800s, he served on various vessels, rising steadily through the ranks.

During the War of 1812, Hull gained renown for his command of the USS Constitution, a frigate famously nicknamed "Old Ironsides" due to its formidable strength and resilience. In August 1812, Hull achieved one of the most significant victories of the war when he engaged and defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere in a decisive battle off the coast of Nova Scotia. The victory earned Hull widespread acclaim and boosted American morale.

Following his victory against the Guerriere, Hull continued to serve with distinction, participating in several other engagements with British forces. However, his career was not without controversy. In 1814, he faced a court-martial for allegedly failing to engage British ships off the coast of New York, but he was subsequently acquitted and returned to active duty.

After the War of 1812, Hull remained in the navy, holding various command positions and continuing to serve with distinction. He retired from active service in 1829 with the rank of Commodore, having made significant contributions to the growth and reputation of the United States Navy.

Commodore Isaac Hull is remembered as one of the most accomplished naval officers of his time, admired for his leadership, courage, and tactical skill. His victory aboard the USS Constitution remains one of the most celebrated moments in American naval history, solidifying his legacy as a hero of the War of 1812.

Hull's tenure as commander of the Pacific Squadron coincided with a period of significant expansion and exploration in the Pacific region. One of his primary responsibilities was to maintain order and protect American trade routes in the Pacific, which were becoming increasingly important due to the growing trade with Asia.

Under Hull's leadership, the Pacific Squadron conducted various diplomatic missions and showed the flag in ports throughout the Pacific. He also oversaw efforts to combat piracy and suppress the Slave trade in the region, reflecting broader American interests and priorities at the time.

One notable event during Hull's command of the Pacific Squadron was the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846. As tensions between the United States and Mexico escalated, the Pacific Squadron played a crucial role in supporting American military operations in the Pacific theater of the war.

Overall, Isaac Hull's service as commander of the U.S. Pacific Squadron marked an important chapter in American naval history, as the United States asserted its presence and influence in the Pacific region during a period of significant change and expansion. Hull's leadership helped to advance American interests and secure the nation's position as a major maritime power in the Pacific Ocean.
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