He held a commission in the French army from 1728 to 1736, which had been renewed in 1744, and the Jacobite cavalry officer Sir John MacDonald viewed him as having "the greatest intelligence and prudence" of those on Prince Charles' staff.
He served as an officer in the French army from 1728 to 1736, which was later reissued in 1744. Sir John MacDonald, a Jacobite cavalry officer, viewed him as having "the highest intellect and sagacity" among those on Prince Charles' team.