[7] That is, stopped.




CHAPTER II.

THE CRUISE OF THE "BOREAS."--CONTROVERSY OVER THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE
NAVIGATION ACT.--RETURN TO ENGLAND.--RETIREMENT UNTIL THE OUTBREAK OF
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.--APPOINTED TO COMMAND THE "AGAMEMNON," 64.

1784-1793. AGE, 26-34.


Whatever the cause, Nelson's visit to France ended prematurely and
abruptly. Early in January, 1784, after an absence of two months, he
went back to England, announcing to his friends that his coming was
only temporary, partly on business, partly for treatment; for his
delicate health again occasioned him anxiety. "The frost, thank God,
is broke," he wrote; "cold weather is death to me." But even while
speaking confidently of his speedy return to the Continent, he dropped
a hint that he was disposed to resume the active pursuit of his
profession, although on leaving the "Albemarle," six months before, he
had said that he could not afford to live afloat, in peace times, in
the style then prevalent. "My stay in England will be but very short,
without the First Lord in the Admiralty thinks proper to employ me. I
shall offer my services." He did see Lord Howe, at that time First
Lord, asking him for a ship; and he renewed his cordial relations with
Hood, then living in London. On the 18th of March Howe appointed him