 He obtained a commission in the 1st Lifeguards, and was quartered at the Regent's, Hyde Park, Windsor and Farnborough barracks.In 1854, he met at Hazelwood a distinguished Waterloo veteran, Colonel George Dawson-Damer (younger brother of the 2nd Earl of Portarlington), and his daughter, Constance.Leslie married Miss Damer two years later at St George's, Hanover Square, London.