[2] After attending the Mathematical, Nautical and Commercial School in New York,[3] he began his sea-faring career in the merchant service, in the East India trade.
Stationed at Charleston during the Nullification Crisis, Fraser's duty was to board ships bringing sugar from Cuba and collect import taxes.
[3] From his office at the Treasury Fraser was in charge of all financial, material and personnel matters concerning the service, with a single lieutenant to assist him.
In his first report of January 9, 1844 Fraser stated: The principle advantages arising from the use of iron are; economy in the original construction; durability, lightness of material, and consequently, increased buoyancy; increased strength, particularly in the ability to withstand shocks sustained by taking the ground when passing shoal water bars; and the value when worn out, of the old materials.
He then took command of the Revenue-Marine cutter Lawrence for a voyage around the Cape of Good Hope to San Francisco, California to enforce the revenue laws there.
[Note 1] Despite many members of his crew deserting to take part in the Gold Rush, Fraser continued to carry out his duties of aiding distressed ships, collecting revenue, and surveying the ports and coast of California, until finally returning to New York in 1852.