He is said to have been lieutenant of the Cambridge in 1672, with Captain Herbert, and to have been promoted from her by Prince Rupert to command the Success, from which, early in 1673, he was moved to the Crown.

In April 1692 he was sent with a few ships to scour the coast of France and survey La Hague, and returned to the fleet in time to take part in the Battle of Barfleur.

After Holles's death at the Battle of Solebay, Carter continued lieutenant of the Cambridge,[1] under Captain Herbert, afterwards Earl of Torrington,[2] and was promoted from her by Prince Rupert to command the Success on 6 February 1673.

In November 1679 he served on shore, under his old commander, Captain Herbert, in the defence of English Tangier, then severely pressed by the Moors.

[1] At Beachy Head he was one of the few English commanders of the Red squadron who were enabled, from the form in which the French fleet was drawn up, to get near enough to receive considerable damage; by that means he escaped the censure even of the Dutch.

[1] Information having been received that the French were preparing to put to sea in great force, orders for his return to the fleet, were dispatched after him.

[g] He met Sir Ralph Delaval,[h] who had been detached, with a small squadron, in search of him; and they both joined Admiral Russel and the fleet before the Battles of Barfleur and La Hougue.

[8] He died of his wounds at 10 p.m.[1] The body of the admiral was brought on shore with every mark of honour;[9] the ships of his division fired twenty-two gun salutes as his remains were rowed ashore.

[1] It was openly stated by many, both before and after his death, that Carter was in the interest of King James, that his taking service under William was a pretence, and that he had received 10,000l.