He served in North America with his brother from 1775, seeing action in the American War of Independence and was elevated to captain of the 55th in November 1777.

Under Rawdon he served at the Battle of Camden, 25 April 1781, after leading a small force to raid Snow Island in March.

He sailed back to Great Britain with his brother and Rawdon later that year, but was captured en route by the French fleet, to be later exchanged.

The position was taken and the 14th were ordered by York to henceforth use "Ça Ira" as their marching tune in honour of the occasion.

Eventually this force was obliged to withdraw due to serious supply problems after the failure of the War in the Vendée to raise support.