by John Marshall

“ His entry into the naval service appears to have been about 1776, as a Midshipman, on board the Southampton frigate, in which ship he served during a period of five years, principally on the Jamaica station, and in the grand fleet under Sir Charles Hardy. While in the West Indies, he was frequently employed in her boats attacking and cutting out vessels from under the enemy’s batteries.
In Aug. 1780, the Southampton captured a French privateer, of 18 guns and 80 men. Mr. Walker was sent to assist. in removing the prisoners ”

“ In the ensuing summer, Captain Walker obtained the command of the Tartar frigate, and was ordered to convoy a fleet of merchantmen to the Jamaica station, where he received a commission from the Admiralty, appointing him to the Vanguard, 74. On the renewal of hostilities in 1803, we find him employed in the blockade of St. Domingo. While on that service, in company with a squadron, under the orders of Captain Loring, he captured the Creole frigate, of 44 guns, having on board the French General Morgan and 530 troops, bound to Port-au-Prince ”

“ In consequence of this supply, General Christophe (the late Emperor of Hayti) , then second in command of the Blacks, took the field, routed the deserters, and hanged their leaders. It is beyond all doubt, that this event accelerated the surrender of General Rochambeau, at least six weeks or two months. ”