The "Victory," of a hundred guns, was named for Nelson's flag, her officers appointed, and the ship commissioned.

On the 6th of May he received orders to prepare for departure.

On the 12th the British ambassador left Paris, having handed in the Government's ultimatum and demanded his passports.

On the 16th Great Britain declared war against France, and the same day Nelson at the Admiralty received his commission as commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean.

Within forty-eight hours he joined the "Victory" at Portsmouth, and on the 20th sailed for his station.
Thus ended the longest period of retirement enjoyed by Nelson, from the opening of the war with France, in 1793, until his death in 1805.
During it, besides the separation from Lady Nelson, two great breaks occurred in his personal ties and surroundings.