Archer emigrated to Australia, where he arrived in 1842, but stayed only five months, subsequently spending thirteen years in the South Sea and Sandwich Islands.

In 1896, Archer left Australia[3] and died at the family's Norwegian estate, Tolderedden, Larvik, Norway on 6 February 1902 aged 81 years.

[4] Archer was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Queensland as the member for Rockhampton from 27 July 1867 to 19 November 1869,[5] during which he assisted with passing the Land Act of 1868.

On 28 November 1878, Archer was elected again to the Legislative Assembly of Queensland as the member for the Electoral district of Blackall which title he possessed until 23 January 1886.

In 1892 Mr. Archer visited England in company with John Ferguson as a deputation on behalf of the Central Queensland Territorial Separation League.