 Charles entered the navy when he was just ten years old as a volunteer (1st class) aboard the 64 gun, third rate, HMS Europe.When his father was appointed Surgeon-General to the North American station in 1779, the 10-year-old Charles went with him aboard HMS Europe, which arrived in New York City on 25 August.On 23 December, Charles transferred to HM Sloop "Loyalist" and assisted in the capture of Charleston, South Carolina on 12 May 1780.