He was self-instructed in the art of engraving on copper, although brought up by his father to the business of a goldsmith. He went on the Crown Point expedition, 1756, and after his return, married, and settled down to the business he had already learned. He was naturally fond of mechanics, and made himself master of its general principles. One of his earliest attempts on copper was the portrait of his friend, Dr. Mayhew. He also engraved several caricatures which were popular, and some historical pictures which are valuable now to the collector.
Not many book-plates have come down to us by this celebrated patriot, and the following list comprises all that are signed.