 Irritated, moreover, by the British seizure and retention of Malta, Paul abruptly dismissed Whitworth, and thereupon commenced that angry correspondence which developed into the combination of northern powers against Great Britain.In July 1800 the seizure by and a British squadron of the Danish frigate "Freya" and her convoy for opposing the British right of search led to strained relations with Denmark.In order to anticipate any hostile move from Danes, the British government despatched Whitworth in August on a special mission to Copenhagen.