He was appointed ensign in the 68th foot in 1798 and lieutenant in 1799. He captain 55th foot in 1801, major 6th West India Regiment in 1808, and major 62nd foot in 1808. He was a lieutenant-colonel with the Portuguese army in 1810, and served as brigadier-general at the battles of Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, and St. Pierre, where he was badly wounded.