Breck had a successful career in the American mercantile marine as a shipmaster and businessman, and at the outbreak of the Civil War was engaged in the Pacific and China trade, but soon offered his services to the Navy Department.

[1] From April 24, 1863[3] he commanded the screw steamer Niphon, taking a prominent part in the destruction of the saltworks at Masonboro Inlet, North Carolina, on August 27, 1864, and on many other expeditions ashore.

[3] Although his health was much impaired, Breck remained in command of Niphon until invalided out of the service by a medical board in November 1864.

[1] (His younger brother Lowell Mason Breck (1839–1863), who served under him aboard Niphon, was also invalided out of the Navy suffering from "consumption", from which he soon died.

[citation needed] Breck was married twice, firstly to Fredonia Gaston, and after her death to Ellen Francis Newell, by whom he had four children; twin daughters, who died in infancy, and two sons.