 Towards the end of 1796, Bullen re-joined Admiral Peyton in his then flagship, the 64-gun, third rate, "Overyssel".This appointment didn't last long however and by Christmas, Bullen was again on half pay.At the beginning of 1797, Bullen was appointed first lieutenant to HMS "Monmouth" and it was here he first met his new commanding officer, William Carnegie, 7th Earl of Northesk and the two became fast friends.