My Life > The Channel, August-October 1801

The Channel, August-October 1801

On the 19th of June 1801, I was relieved by Admiral Pole and returned to England to recover my health but the French threatening invasion, and the country being in a state of considerable alarm, I was appointed commander-in-chief of a Squadron for Particular Service in the Channel. On the 27th of July I hoisted my flag in the Unité frigate, shifting almost immediately to the Medusa frigate.

On the 15th of August the forces under my command made an attack on the enemy forces in the port of Boulogne but despite great gallantry the attack was repulsed with heavy loss. I refer to my dispatch for an account of the battle. On the 22nd October, the preliminaries of peace having been agreed between ourselves and the French, and my health being entirely destroyed, I hauled down my flag and retired to my house in Merton Surrey, where I was tenderly looked after by my friends the Hamiltons.

Merton Place

The elegant residence in Surrey which I share with my dear friends Sir William and Lady Hamilton. Sir William can be seen fishing in the canal we call 'The Nile' and my dearest Emma is giving instructions to a gardener.