In 1798 he enrolled as an apprentice in the Royal Navy and after reaching the rank of Lieutenant, emigrated to South America in 1816.
He then joined the Argentine Navy under the command of Guillermo Brown following the approval of Brigadier General José Matías Zapiola.
[2] At the beginning of the war with Brazil, he was in Buenos Aires and offered his services to the Argentine Navy, enlisted by Brigadier-General José Matías Zapiola.
[4] He fought in the Battle of Punta Colares off the coast of Buenos Aires and was recognised for his bravery by Admiral Guillermo Brown.
[5] He later received command of the brigantine Congreso, a ship which participated in the attack on Colonia del Sacramento on 1 March of 1826 in which he was seriously wounded.