Commodore Hull became a sailor when he was only eight years old. He
distinguished himself greatly in the naval war with France, and in the
war with Tripoli, especially at the capture of Derne, in Africa.

[Illustration: COMMODORE HULL.]

At the commencement of the war of 1812, Hull having been advanced in the
meantime to the rank of captain, was placed in command of the frigate
Constitution, in which he was destined to perform those brilliant
actions which have rendered him one of the most celebrated heroes of our
navy. His first exploit was the escape of the Constitution from a
British squadron, which is justly regarded as one of the most remarkable
recorded in naval history. The account of it contained in the official
letter of Captain Hull has all the interest of a romance. It is as
follows:


"SIR:--In pursuance of your orders of the 3d instant, I left
Annapolis on the 5th instant, and the capes on the 12th, of which I
advised you by the pilot who brought the ship to sea.

For several days after we got out, the wind was light and ahead,
which, with a strong southerly current, prevented our making much
way to the northward. On the 17th, at two P.M., being in twenty-two
fathoms water off Egg Harbor, four sail of ships were discovered
from the masthead, to the northward and in shore of us, apparently
ships of war. The wind being very light all sail was made in chase
of them, to ascertain whether they were the enemy's ships, or our