 He was rewarded with a promotion to post captain and returned to England in August 1802.When hostilities with France were renewed the following year, Bullen was given temporary command of HMS "Minerve".The previous captain, Jahleel Brenton was injured when a block fell on his head, and Bullen, who was conveniently close by in Weymouth, commanded the vessel between 8 May and 3 June in 1803.