 During the Nore mutiny when rebellion broke out on the "Monmouth", Bullen drew a line across the deck and threatened to shoot dead the first man to cross it.His prompt action probably saved his life and the lives of his fellow officers, including the Earl of Northesk, who was later chosen to take the rebels demands to the government.Carnegie, who had some sympathy with the rebels, resigned following suppression of the mutiny but Bullen remained on board under the new captain, James Walker and together they fought at the battle of Camperdown later that year, the crew of the "Monmouth" fighting hard to absolve themselves of their part in mutiny.