Parscau was promoted to Captain in 1772.[1] In 1777, he commanded the 64-gun Roland in Brest.[3][4][5] Navy Minister Sartine had chosen her to be one of the six ships held ready for immediate departure at all times.[6][Note 2]
In 1780, he was given command of the 74-gunIntrépide in the squadron under Guichen.[1][8][9] He took part in the Battle of Martinique on 17 April 1780,[10] and in an expedition against British interests in Florida. He took part in the Siege of Pensacola in May 1781.[11] On 22 July 1781, as the squadron was anchored at Cap français, a barrel of local rum caught fire, and Intrépide exploded.[12][13][14]De Grasse wrote that Parscau was not to be blamed for the incident, and requested he be given a new command.[12]