After returning from the expedition, Merrell - who was promoted to lieutenant on 21 March 1871[REF][REF] - served at the Naval Torpedo Station in Newport, Rhode Island, from 1871 or 1872 (sources vary[REF]) to 1875, then aboard the screw frigate in the North Atlantic Squadron from 1875 to 1877 [REF].
In 1879, Merrell returned to sea, serving aboard the third-rate screw steamer in the North Atlantic Squadron and South Atlantic Squadron until 1881, when he transferred to the screw sloop-of-war in the North Atlantic Squadron, remaining aboard her until 1882 [REF].