In July 1810, Morand was stationed in Hamburg and appointed governor general of the Hanseatic cities. By this time his relationship with Davout had soured, as Morand believed his chief had blocked his chances of promotion in order to retain his services. Matters came to a head in November 1810 when, by accident or design, Morand wrote directly to Minister of War Clarke instead of corresponding via Davout. Davout delivered a sharp rebuke in response, and Morand wrote again to Clarke threatening to resign if he was not transferred to a different commander. Napoleon refused to allow such a transfer and settled the affair, but the two men were never again on good terms.