Wounded four times at the Battle of Minden on 1 August 1759, he later entered the cavalry in a dragoon regiment.

During the French Revolutionary Wars he served in Army of Italy beginning in 1792 and gained rapid promotion.

[2][3] During the Montenotte Campaign which ended with the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont suing for peace, Macquard's division was not engaged.

[7] During the Battle of Arcola his 3,000-man force held Verona and neutralized Austrian General Jozsef Alvinczi's advance guard.

[9] On 14 August 1796, Bonaparte tersely summed up his qualities, "Brave man, no talent, lively.