"It was in all probability through the influence of William Palfrey, Grand Secretary, that the charter (The Massachusetts Lodge) was granted.

"[1][2] Working as John Hancock's chief clerk, he was active in the movements that preceded the American Revolution, and visited England in 1771.

During the War of Independence, he served as an aide-de-camp to George Washington in March and April 1776, after which Hancock arranged to have him appointed paymaster-general in the Continental Army, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

In November 1780, he was appointed consul-general in France by a unanimous vote of Congress, and embarked in a ship for that country, which was never heard of after she had left the capes.

Lost at sea in December, 1780, while on special business to France by order of the Continental Congress.