[3] Returning to England in 1784, he was promoted Captain 1785, then next saw active service in 1793 in the Campaign in the Low Countries, where he was aide-de-camp to the Duke of York.

[4] Sent to discuss surrender terms with the garrison of Valenciennes, he was present at the Siege of Dunkirk 25 Aug-10 September, and the relief of Menin on the 15th.

At the Battle of Tourcoing 17/18 May, he narrowly escaped capture with York and was forced to swim the Espierre's brook with him.

[3] One of York's "most trusted staff officers"[5] his Journals & Correspondence remains a vital source of information on the Flanders Campaign of 1793–95.

Malicious gossip had it that this connexion was likely to do more for him than any show of martial brilliance, for the Duke of York was known to have heavy financial obligations to the firm.