In 1768 he purchased a promotion in the 46th Regiment. In 1775, as a captain of grenadiers, he was posted to North America, where he saw action in the New York and New Jersey campaign at Brooklyn, Long Island, the taking of New York, at York Island, White Plains, the storming of Fort Washington and the actions at Rhode Island and Brandywine. He was severely wounded at the action near Monmouth Court House. In 1778, suffering from the effects of campaigning, he returned to England to take command of a recruitment company.