 Initially serving as a volunteer, he was commissioned an ensign and lieutenant in the 92nd Regiment in 1799, later joining the 3rd Regiment, promoted captain in 1804, major in 1813 and lieutenant-colonel in 1819.From 14 December 1822, Cameron was appointed commandant of Port Dalrymple, serving from 1 February 1823 – 6 April 1825.Cameron was the son of Donald and Catherine Cameron.