In 1777 Hunter was made captain in the 52nd. He served in India, commanding the corps who attacked the breach at Cannanore in 1785, and commanded the 52nd at various sieges during the campaign under Lord Cornwallis. He was wounded during the battle at Seringapatam in 1792. In 1793, Hunter obtained a majority in the 91st Foot, and in 1794, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.[3]
Hunter held a commissions in the 60th Foot, and also the 48th Foot, which he commanded in Gibraltar, Trinidad and Puerto Rico. In 1800 he became colonel, and in 1801, brigadier-general.[3] Hunter was made lieutenant-general in 1812, and general in 1825.[1] He served as Governor of Pendennis Castle in Cornwall from 1823 to 1832 and as Governor of Stirling Castle in Scotland from 1832 until his death.
Hunter died in 1846, the last survivor of Lexington and Concord.[2]