When he was 21, a commission as lieutenant in the British army was purchased for him. With his regiment, the 85th light infantry, he took part in the peninsular campaign against Napoleon, landing in Spain in August 1813.
When he turned 21, a lieutenant position in the British army was purchased for him. He joined the 85th light infantry regiment and took part in the Peninsular War against Napoleon, arriving in Spain in August 1813.