command of the Drake, in which vessel he was afterwards sent to the Jamaica station. His promotion to the rank of Post-Captain took place July 21, 1796.
During the ensuing three years we find our officer commanding the Jamaica, a 20-gun ship, and a squadron consisting of two sloops of war and two or three schooners, besides several armed vessels belonging to the government of Jamaica, placed under his orders for the protection of the coasts of that island, and the collection of the periodical fleets previous to their departure for England. Whilst thus employed, he acquitted himself so much to the satisfaction of the House of Assembly, that that body, as will appear by the following document, voted him a sword value 100 guineas, which, on his return to England as convoy to the homeward bound trade at the latter end of 1799, was presented to him by their agent in London.
“Resolved, that this House entertain a high sense of the services derived to this island from the zeal and activity of Samuel Brooking, Esq. Captain of his Majesty’s ship Jamaica, during the period of three years, when the protection of the coasting trade and navigation was under his directions; and that the Receiver-General do pay to his agent the sum of one hundred guineas for the purchase of a sword, as a testimony of the favorable opinion this House entertain of his meritorious conduct.
“By order of the House,
(Signed)“James Lewis, Clerk to the Assembly.”
The gentlemen, merchants, planters, &c. of St. Ann’s Bay, had previously expressed themselves in terms as follow;
“Sir,– We the inhabitants of this place should be wanting in gratitude were we not to subscribe to your peculiar merits, and express the lively sense with which we are impressed of the benefits this port and its vicinity have participated with the island in general from your unexampled activity and vigilance for a series of years past. The temerity of such of our enemies as have attempted to approach our coast has been punished by your activity, while the name of Brooking has struck terror in our neighbouring enemies, and has awed them from attempting depredations on us. We trust that a conduct so manifestly essential to the interest and security of the island will be properly reported, and duly rewarded. We are, with unfeigned respect, Sir, your obedient and very humble servants.”
