He purchased a lieutenancy on 10 April 1775. He received a commission as captain (regimental rank) and lieutenant colonel (army rank) in the First Regiment of Foot Guards on 27 April 1780List of Officers of the Army and Marines, War Office, 1 January 1791 and received command of a company on 9 May. On 22 November 1790, he was promoted to colonel (army rank).
