The following year Hull was given command of the "Constitution," the ship which became so famous as a result of Hull's exploits.
    Hull sailed the "Constitution" to Europe to pay $220,000 in Spanish dollars on the Dutch debt. Cherbourg, the French port, was blockaded by England, but Hull arrived safely. Ten days later he sailed for Holland where the money was delivered.
    On his return trip his ship was fired upon by the British brig, the "Redpole." The British sent an officer aboard to apologize.
    He had another experience with English ships on that voyage. A seaman swam from an English ship to the "Constitution." He sought sanctuary on the American ship as an American citizen who had been impressed by the British navy. Hull refused to surrender the seaman, and the British ship left without incident.
    War was declared against the British on June 13, 1812, for the continued practice of impressing American seamen and for Britain's support of Indian attacks on the western frontier.
    The war was unpopular in New England, but Hull took an active part in the campaigns. In June, Hull and the "Constitution" set sail from New York with a crew of 430 officers and men. They went to the Virginia Capes from Annapolis.
    On June 16th, the morning mist cleared and Hull found he had met a British flotilla. Hull knew his only hope was to flee. If that failed, he was determined to make a fight of it. Shots were fired by the British ship "Shannon," but no damage was done to the "Constitution." Two days later, a British ship signaled the main body of British ships in the area, but there was no answer. The British commander then thought they were an American squadron, so he turned away from the "Constitution." This error gave Hull the opportunity for escape. The chase continued for 60 hours with the British holding their position.
    By the end of the third day, a rain squall concealed the whole ocean. Just before it hit the ship, Hull had his men take in the upper sails. Then he ordered his sails double­reefed, to appear as if caught in a gale of wind. The British ships quickly imitated the "Constitution" to avoid being swept by the wind. Hidden in the rain and the coming dusk,