He was a Commander in the Royal Navy and arrived in South Australia in 1841. He was appointed a Magistrate in 1842 and in 1843 he was nominated by the Crown as an Official to Member of the Legislative Council. He resigned in 1844. He was appointed Acting Commissioner of Police and Police Magistrate in 1849. In 1850 he was appointed Commissioner of Police and in 1852, Collector of Customs.