by John Marshall

“ 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. ”

“ Brooking, when making a diversion to favor the landing of some troops at the mouth of a river, and with a view of cutting off an American galley, narrowly escaped destruction, by a shot passing through the corner of his powder chest; and his gun being at the same time disabled, he was obliged to withdraw.
In 1778, Lord Howe made him a Lieutenant; in which capacity we find him serving on board the Strombolo fire-vessel, Galatea of 20 guns, and Prudent 64, at the relief of Rhode Island [1] ; Fort M‘Lean [2] , and St. Kitts’ ”