 In January 1792, he was promoted the full "lieutenant de vaisseau", and to "capitaine de vaisseau" in January 1793.When the War of the First Coalition broke out, he took command of the frigate "Résolue" and raided commerce in the Atlantic, in the Bay of Biscay, and the Channel, both alone and within the frigate division commanded by Zacharie Allemand.A resolute Republican, Nielly had his crew sign a manifesto supporting the Constitution of the French First Republic, and sent it to the National Convention.