In September, 1774, Rodney landed again in England, a disappointed man and in embarrassed circumstances.  Professional occupation was almost hopeless, for in peace times there were few positions for an officer of his rank; and, although recognized for able, he had not then the distinction by which he is known to us.  It is also evident, from subsequent events, that he just now lacked the influence necessary to obtain a preference over rivals in quest of employment.  Under the circumstances, his debts determined his action, and to escape harassments he before long passed over into France and settled in Paris.  In that capital, as in London, he mixed with the best society; and there, as before, the mode of life among his associates led him beyond his means and involved him in further distresses.  Consequently, when war between France and Great Britain became imminent, in 1778, the vigilance of his creditors prevented his going home in person to offer his services.  In February of that year, however, he made formal application to the Admiralty to be sent at a moment’s warning on any enterprise.  To this Sandwich, who was still First Lord, despite his previous assurances of friendship, paid no attention beyond the formal customary acknowledgment given to all such letters when they came from officers of Rodney’s standing.  No indication was shown of intention, or even of wish, to employ him.

Rodney was therefore compelled to look on idly while others, of well-earned reputation indeed but as yet of less experience than himself in high command, were preferred before him.  Howe had already been sent to North America in 1776, on a mission at once diplomatic and military; and there he still was when war began.  As it became imminent, Keppel was appointed to the Channel Fleet, and Byron to the North American command, from which Howe had asked to be relieved.  All these were junior to Rodney; and, as though to emphasize the neglect of him, rear-admirals were sent to the two West India stations, Jamaica and the Leeward Islands, which he had formerly commanded, and to which it would seem, from one of his letters, that he desired to return.  He had, too, now reached the rank, the want of which had formed the burden of Sandwich’s warning that he was in danger of supersession at Jamaica; for in a general flag promotion in January, 1778, he had become Admiral of the White Squadron, than which no higher then obtained, commissions as Admirals of the Red not being issued.  For this persistent ignoring of an officer of his unquestionable ability there were necessarily reasons more controlling than appears on the surface; for the naval conditions and the national emergency called for men of demonstrated high capacity.  Such Rodney was professionally; and although his age—­he was now in his sixtieth year—­was against him, this consideration did not in those days weigh; nor should it, unless accompanied by probable indication of powers sapped.