Captain Solomon Ferris and Hannibal's crew returned to Britain on parole after negotiations with the French. Because his ship had been captured, Ferris faced a court-martial even though he had fought from an untenable grounded position. The court acquitted him, and its presiding admiral returned his sword with praise for the gallantry shown in defending the ship. The proceedings separated institutional accountability from automatic blame and added an important sequel to the tactical defeat.
Notable Point · 43:00-43:34
Captain Ferris was acquitted after losing Hannibal
The mandatory court-martial for a lost warship cleared Solomon Ferris and publicly affirmed the gallantry of Hannibal's defense.