Purcell was in command of the garrison of Newry in 1689, when it was attacked by a Jacobite force led by the French General the Marquis de Boisseleau.
[1] Purcell was present at the Battle of the Boyne the following year.
In 1691 he was appointed to the Colonelcy of the 23rd Foot, but had to resign due to ill health.
After the war he petitioned King William for confirmation of lands awarded to him in County Tipperary.
In 1698 he was made Governor of Duncannon Fort after the removal of Sir James Jeffreys, and held the position until 1711.