In 1798 Napoleon Bonaparte, who was all but Master of Europe, assembled a formidable expeditionary force at Toulon. While its purpose was unknown there was every reason to believe that Great Britain was its destination and the Nation was on invasion alert. The overwhelming British priority was for a fleet to be assembled and sent to the Mediterranean to destroy this threat before the French force could set sail. The burning issue was which of four Royal Naval flag officers should command this vital mission? The strong field in order of seniority was Admiral The Earl St Vincent, Rear Admirals S.