[1] Budd was acting master of the USS Peacock during Captain Charles Wilkes United States Exploring Expedition (1838–1842).

[3] At the start of the Civil War, Budd offered his services to the Union and was placed in command of the gunboat USS Penguin.

The Penguin was initially a part of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, but joined the Potomac Flotilla on August 19, 1861.

During that battle, the Penguin was disabled, and Budd ordered that a tug tow the ship into range so that it could continue to bombard the harbor.

[5] In December 1861, Budd assisted escaped slaves around Edisto Island, South Carolina, while supporting activities in that area while under the command of Percival Drayton.