The advice of Sunderland prevailed.

A new Commission of Admiralty was prepared; and Russell was named First Lord.

He had already been appointed to the command of the Channel fleet.
His elevation made it necessary that Nottingham should retire.

For, though it was not then unusual to see men who were personally and politically hostile to each other holding high offices at the same time, the relation between the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State, who had charge of what would now be called the War Department, was of so peculiar a nature that the public service could not be well conducted without cordial cooperation between them; and between Nottingham and Russell such cooperation was not to be expected.

"I thank you," William said to Nottingham, "for your services.