Napoleon was pacing the deck of HMS Bellerophon en route for England. He had meant to sail for America, but wasted much time attempting to negotiate a safe passage with British naval captains blockading the French ports. On 15 July, fearing capture by French forces loyal to the Bourbons, he went aboard the Bellerophon, Captain Maitland, off Rochefort, and threw himself on the mercy of the Prince Regent.
