Peace of Amiens

Britain and France signed the Treaty of Amiens in March 1802, temporarily ending years of conflict. Naval demobilisation placed ships in ordinary and officers on half pay while merchants and travellers attempted to resume peacetime activity.

Disputes over Malta, colonial settlements and French expansion soon destroyed the settlement. Britain declared war again in May 1803.

Command and The Admiral’s Daughter use the sudden shift between war and peace to unsettle Kydd’s career. Professional sailors must find employment ashore before the service urgently needs them again.