Oughton served in Germany during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748) and later during the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763), where he commanded the 37th Regiment at the Battle of Minden (1759). Later in his career he became Commander-in-Chief in Scotland.

In this portrait Oughton wears the medal of the Cumberland Society, formed to commemorate the achievements of William, Duke of Cumberland, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied forces during the War of the Austrian Succession (1742–1748). Oughton had served at the Battle of Culloden (1746) and was secretary of the Society, the minutes of which can be seen in his hand. He was a traveller and collector, as well as a classical linguist. Oughton’s wide circle of acquaintances included Dr Samuel Johnson, who described him as ‘a man of boundless curiosity and unwearied diligence’ and suggested that ‘you will find few men, of any profession, who know more’.