 He subsequently served aboard the and .He served throughout the Civil War, first as inspector of ordnance for the (rank lieutenant), then as commander of the with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, during which time he was promoted to lieutenant commander.He especially distinguished himself on the night of February 24, 1863, when, in command of the river gunboat at Palmyra Island, he defended himself for an hour and a half against four Confederate gunboats.