In 1781, he was ordered to join the force under Earl Cornwallis which was sent to North Carolina and which took part in the Battle of Guilford.[3] He was, in 1782, appointed Commander of the Royal Artillery at a time when they had just five battalions.[4] He was appointed Deputy Adjutant-General of the Royal Artillery, an honorary position, in 1795.[5] Under Macleod's direction the Royal Artillery had been expanded to ten battalions by 1808.[6] He also held the position of Master Gunner, St James's Park from 1808.[7]