by the arrival of a new commander-in-chief, the late Sir John Laforey, by whom he was ordered to follow the Quebec to England, where he arrived in the Montagu 74, on the 5th Oct. 1795.
Soon after his arrival, Captain Cooke was gratified by the receipt of an address from the Council and Assembly of Tortola, &c. to the following effect;
“Sir.– We, the Council and Assembly of his Majesty’s Virgin Islands, taking into consideration your unremitted exertiens when upon this station, for the safety and protection of this colony, beg leave to return you our wannest thanks. During the time H.M.S. Inspector, at that time under your command, was stationed here, we were exposed to the most imminent danger from the hostile disposition of our enemies assembled at St. Thomas’s, who were so daring as publicly to proclaim their intention of making a descent upon these islands. In this critical posture of our affairs, we had no other hopes of safety but in the exertions of the militia of the country, aided by efforts such as were in your power to make in our behalf; and we reflect, Sir, with gratitude, that we were not disappointed in our expectations of your zeal for his Majesty’s service, and for the preservation of this colony. By your active co-operation with us, in such measures as were deemed most essential for our defence we saw with satisfaction that our enemies were obliged to abandon their intended enterprise. We should sooner have expressed our sentiments of your conduct, had not your unexpected removal from H.M.S. the Alarm, and your sudden departure for England, deprived us of the opportunity of doing so. We hope the services you have rendered this colony will recommend you to the notice of our most gracious Sovereign, and that he will not suffer your merits to pass unrewarded; and we sincerely flatter ourselves, whilst we regret your departure from amongst us, that wherever his Majesty’s service may require your presence, you may enjoy every degree of happiness which life can afford.
“We remain most respectfully, Sir,
“Your obedient, humble Servants,
(Signed)“W. Turnbull, President.
“To Captain Cooke, late Commander of
“H.M. ships, Inspector and Alarm”
Captain Cooke, on his arrival in England, lost no time in paying his respects to the Board of Admiralty; and was greatly chagrined to find that their Lordships would not confirm his post commission from the original date, that of the brave Faulknor’s death, on the score that Rear-Admiral Caldwell was not bona fide Commander-in-Chief. By this decision, he lost upwards of eight months rank, during which
