Herbert returned to England in 1682 after successful treaty negotiations with Algiers in which Nevell played an important part. Nevell was left behind as consul, though Herbert wrote he was "much fitter to serve the king as a sea captain than in the post he now is, for I am afraid his head is not very well turned that way." He was also left with a blank captain's commission to command the "Bristol", and when his wife petitioned Charles II for his return to England the following year, he was able to sail home in that vessel.