In the ordinary course of cruising in peace times, he visited every part of the station from Bengal to Bussorah; but the climate, trying even to vigorous Europeans, proved too much for his frail health.

After a couple of years he broke down and was invalided home, reaching England in September, 1776.

His escape from death was attributed by himself to the kind care of Captain Pigot of the "Dolphin," in which ship he came back.

At this period we are told that, when well, he was of florid countenance, rather stout and athletic; but, as the result of his illness, he was reduced to a mere skeleton, and for some time entirely lost the use of his limbs,--a distressing symptom, that returned upon him a few years later after his Central American expedition in 1780, and confirms the impression of extreme fragility of constitution, which is frequently indicated in other ways.
During this absence in the East Indies Captain Suckling, in April, 1775, had been named Comptroller of the Navy,--a civil position, but one that carried with it power and consequent influence.

This probably told for much in obtaining for Nelson, who was but just eighteen, and had not yet passed the examinations for his first promotion, an acting appointment as lieutenant.