In 1799, he commanded the American ship Mary and successfully repulsed an attack by four French privateers off the coast of Gibraltar.

In July 1800, in command of the Industry, he again routed four French privateers off the coast of Cadiz, Spain.

His father was a captain of local militia prior to the Revolutionary War and served eight years as Duxbury's representative to the Massachusetts General Court.

[2] He fought at the battles of Saratoga and Monmouth before encamping with the army for its final cantonment at New Windsor, New York.

In July 1800, in command of Industry, he routed four French privateers at Gibraltar, though he sustained an injury that would cost him his leg.