In 1797, when the novel takes place, there were uprisings in the British navy, first at Spithead in April, then at the Nore in May. This latter episode was called the Great Mutiny. In fairness it must be said that many of the sailors who rebelled served heroically later under Nelson at the Nile and at Trafalgar.
The Bellipotent sails for the Mediterranean in these difficult times. Many of the abuses have been rectified, but impressment still continues, and every officer in the fleet watches for signs of discontent and trouble. Nelson, the greatest naval hero of his time, has great personal influence over the men, but in battle some officers still stand over the gunners with drawn swords.
