He returned to active duties with the 71st Highlanders in June 1808 joining them in Portugal for the Peninsular War. He fought at the Battle of Rolica in "Ferguson's Brigade" fighting the French under Delaborde on 17 August. Four days later he was in the Battle of Vimeiro. On 16 January 1809 he fought with them at the Battle of Corunna his most substantial battle to date.