He served in the Seven Years War, the American War of Independence, and the French Revolutionary wars. He entered the navy in 1741, was promoted post-captain in 1756, and in 1759 captured a French frigate after a fierce action. In 1780, with the rank of rear-admiral, he went to the West Indies as second-in-command to Lord Rodney. There he displayed masterly tactical skills and took a prominent part in the defeat of the French fleet near Dominica two years later. During the French Revolutionary wars he commanded the British fleet in the Mediterranean.