Having been kept from the greater part of the French Revolutionary War by his book, Broughton resumed his active naval career on 23 June 1801, when he was given command of the 50-gun Batavier in The Channel.
In November 1810, Broughton, still in command of Illustrious, took part in Mauritius Campaign, joining a fleet off the island of Rodriquez, under Vice-admiral Albermarle Bertie.