Due to a dearth of available ships, Palmer subsequently spent seven years in reserve, where despite political and even royal influence in his favour he was unable to secure employment.

Finally in January 1814, with the War of the Sixth Coalition coming to an end, he was appointed to the newly built frigate HMS Hebrus and joined the blockade of the French Channel ports.

[1] It was while employed on this service that he encountered two French frigates off the Île de Batz on 26 March in company with the ship of the line HMS Hannibal.

After Napoleon's return to France, Palmer was ordered to convey French Royalist politicians to Bordeaux in an attempt to force the city to declare for King Louis XVIII.

[1] Palmer married Henrietta Jervis, a grandniece of Earl St. Vincent in November 1817 and the marriage, which produced eight children was noted for its happiness.