His great Commander the Marquis of Wellington thus officially announced his death to the Secretary of the State, Lord Bathurst, at 3 in the morning of the 8th of October 1812, "We had the misfortune to lose the Hon Major Cocks of the 79th who was field officer of the trenches and was killed in the act of rallying the troops who had been driven in.

I have frequently had occasion to draw your Lordship's attention to the conduct of the Major Cocks and in one instance, very recently, in the attack of the Hornwork of the Castle of Burgos and I consider his loss as one of the greatest importance to the army and to his Majesty's Service."

Lord Wellington had successfully recommended him to the Brevet Rank of Major and Lieutenant Colonel in the Army; the former in acknowledgement of previous good conduct and the latter as a reward for his gallant acts in the siege which proved fatal to him.

A father who loved and thought highly of his son feels justified in inscribing these truths to his memory and bound to add that he acted on public and religious principles and that he was dutiful to his parents, an affectionate brother, a sincere friend and a benevolent man.

[2] Wellesley subsequently wrote to Cocks' father; "Your son fell, as he had lived, in the zealous and gallant discharge of his duty… if Providence had spared him to you, [he had] acquirements and qualities to become one of the greatest ornaments of his profession, and to continue an honour to his family, and an advantage to his country".