Resumption of War with France

The breakdown of the Peace of Amiens returned Britain and France to war in May 1803. Britain rapidly recommissioned ships, expanded coastal defence and renewed the blockade of French ports.

Napoleon assembled an invasion army around Boulogne, while British cruisers fought privateers and watched the Channel coast. The renewed war demanded experienced officers and crews at short notice.

The Admiral’s Daughter and Treachery show Kydd returning from peace to active command. Coastal operations, smuggling, privateering and intelligence work replace the larger fleet battles of earlier novels.