His first service afloat was in the Mediterranean Squadron under Commodore William Bainbridge in the schooner Alert and sloop-of-war Ontario from 1815 to 1817.

In 1830–1831, Hudson accompanied Lieutenant Ramsey on a tour to Russia, and then assumed duty at the New York Navy Yard.

[1] After strenuous service in the Antarctic, the South Seas, and along the coast of North America, Peacock was wrecked 18 July 1841 while attempting to cross the bar and enter the Columbia River on Wilkes' orders.

Commander Hudson made every effort to free his ship but was forced to leave her, saving all his men and the scientific papers.

After commanding the Boston Navy Yard in 1858–1862, Captain Hudson was made Inspector of the 3d Light House District.