From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Iaaac Hull was born 9 March 1773 in Derby, Conn. After able service during the Quasi-War with France and against Tripoli, he commanded Constitution during her brilliant engagement with and capture of HMS Guerriere . Commodore Hull died 13 February 1843 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Commodore Hull , a side wheel ferry, was built in 1860 at New York as the ferry boat Nuestra Señora de Regla; purchased by the Navy 1 September 1862; fitted out by Copeland and Howe, New York; and commissioned 27 November 1862, Acting Master W. G. Saltonstall in command.

Assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron Commodore Hull operated along the coasts and rivers of Virginia and North Carolina. She took part in the siege of Washington, N.C., from 30 March to 16 April 1863 and in the action with CSS Albemarle in Albemarle Sound on 5 May 1864. As a picket, Commodore Hull was the first to sight the formidable ram approaching and fired at her from close quarters in the 3-hour engagement. She joined in the operations around Plymouth, N.C., on 29 October 1864 but 2 days later was heavily damaged by Confederate batteries, losing four killed and three wounded. After repairs she returned to her patrols until May 1865. Commodore Hull was decomrnissioned at New York Navy Yard 8 June 1865 and sold there 27 September 1865.