 He then took an exhausting series of mail coaches and horses overland to London, where he arrived on 6 November, after a journey of about 271 miles and involving 21 changes of horses taking 37 hours and costing £46 [each stage being between 10 and 15 miles at a speed of just over 7 mph] , to give his despatches to William Marsden, First Secretary to the Board of Admiralty, with the simple words, “Sir, we have gained a great victory.But we have lost Lord Nelson.” As was expected, Lapenotière was greatly rewarded for his feat.He received promotion to Commander, a sword from the Lloyd's Patriotic Fund, and £500 in cash.