macquarie was born on the island of ulva, in the inner hebrides, scotland. his father had a small farm at oskamull on mull. macquarie's brother donald, died as a prisoner of war during the american revolution. macquarie joined the army, the royal highland emigrants. he was sent to nova scotia in 1776, and later served at new york and charleston. in 1781 he became a lieutenant and went to jamaica for three years. he went back to scotland, for a few years on half pay. he then joined the 77th regiment and went to india.