 It was, however, widely believed that the carpenter had served as a scapegoat, and Powlett thereafter was given the sobriquet of "Captain Stern-Post".Notwithstanding this incident, the Bolton influence proved irresistible, and he was promoted rear admiral on 4 June 1756 and Vice-Admiral of the White on 14 February 1758.Feeling ran strongly against him, despite his promotions, and he never again received a naval command, even at the outbreak of the Seven Years' War in 1754.