 General d 'Hilliers and the other prisoners were taken to Britain , but the officers were soon paroled . On their return to France , d 'Hilliers and Bourdé were court martialled and initially condemned by the Minister of Marine Étienne Eustache Bruix . Bruix believed that the ship had been too easily surrendered and publicly released a strongly worded letter criticising their " talents and courage " . This level of criticism , which British naval historian William James considers excessive , was eventually toned down and after a spirited defence by d 'Hilliers both officers were honourably acquitted . Foote was praised for his success , and Lieutenant Wilmot , who successfully carried the frigate to the Tagus , was promoted . Foote later commanded Seahorse off Naples , and became embroiled in the controversy that surrounded the execution of the leaders of the Parthenopean Republic in 1799 . 
