He entered the Navy as midshipman on 4 July 1805, was commissioned lieutenant on 21 May 1812, and commander on 5 March 1817, and reached the grade of captain on 7 March 1829. He served first in the Argus under Captain Trippe, and was attached later to the frigate Constitution, and participated in all her battles. He was present at the victory over the English ship HMS Guerriere on 19 August 1812, at that over the Java on 29 December 1812, and at the combat with the Cyane and Levant off Madeira on 20 February 1815, and carried the Cyane into New York.