In 1777, he captained the 18-gun corvette "Flèche". The year after, he transferred to the 26-gun frigate "Aimable", part of the squadron under Vice-amiral d'Estaing. He took part in the Battle of Rhode Island on 29 August 1778, in the Battle of St. Lucia on 15 December 1778, and in the Battle of Grenada on 6 July 1779, where he was wounded.