The Treaty of Amiens (25 March 1802) ended hostilities between the French Republic and Great Britain during the French Revolutionary Wars and lead to peace for one year (until 18 May 1803). It caused HMS Retribution to be laid off when Acting Commander Hornblower returned to England, and his Commander status was not confirmed, so he had to repay the extra 5 months out of his Lieutenant's half-pay, forcing him to play whist for money in the Long Rooms, Portsmouth. Only when the peace was breaking down did Hornblower get re-appointed Commander of HMS Hotspur.