After the war broke out in 1775, Roberts joined the Patriot side, and the teenaged Jackson followed; Roberts probably helped Jackson to obtain a position as a cadet in the 1st South Carolina Regiment. In May 1776 Jackson was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
Following the outbreak of war in 1775, Roberts sided with the Patriots, and young Jackson followed suit; Roberts likely facilitated Jackson's appointment as a cadet within the 1st South Carolina Regiment. In May 1776, Jackson was commissioned as a second lieutenant.