Ensign David Breakenridge and his brother Captain-Lieutenant James Breakenridge were in Quebec to act as liaison to forward recruits to Halifax. Later they were sent to join Major James Rogers at St. John's (St. Jean's), Quebec in September 1780 to recruit for his battalion.
James Breakenridge became the Captain Lieutenant of Major Rogers' own company, while David Breakenridge received the Ensigncy of Henry Ruiter's Company.
Ensign David Breakenridge was stationed for a time at Crown Point on Lake Champlain to relay messages for General Allen in Vermont. On May 23, 1783, David arrived at the Loyal Blockhouse with a verbal message from Allen who still hoped to return Vermont back to the King in spite of the rumors of peace.
James Rogers' Kings Rangers Battalion, though disbanded on December 24, 1783, remained at St. John's Quebec through the winter and made preparations for the move westward in the following year. By spring all members of the battalion who had families in the colonies were granted leave to bring them out.