In February 1779, he was promoted to Ensign, and appointed to the 64-gun "Sévère", under his own father. La Pallière followed his father on the 74-gun "Orient" when he was promoted to that command. On "Orient", he took part in the Battle of Sadras on 17 February 1782, in the Battle of Providien on 12 April 1782, in the Battle of Negapatam on 6 July 1782 and in the Battle of Trincomalee from 25 August to 3 September 1782. On 8 September 1782, "Orient" ran aground at Pointe de Sale, near Trincomalee, while La Pallière was on watch. She became a total loss. Ensign La Pallière consequently was dismissed from the Navy.