Moore was promoted to post-captain on 2 April 1794, soon after the start of the Revolutionary War, with command of the 32-gun frigate , in the North Sea and the coast of France. He then commanded the 36-gun frigate from September 1795. In her he took part in the Battle of Tory Island on 12 October 1798, capturing the two days later. In February 1800 he went out to the West Indies, but was invalided home after eighteen months.