On 14 February 1777, Broughton, by then a midshipman, transferred to "Harlem" under Lieutenant John Knight. He was appointed to the 64-gun "Eagle" on 1 July 1778, then in December he joined the seventy-four, "Superb" as a Master's mate and began service in the East Indies. On 12 January 1782, Broughton was promoted to lieutenant aboard the 68-gun "Burford" commanded by Captain Peter Rainier. When "Burford" paid off on 19 July 1784, Broughton went ashore and did not serve again for almost four years.