He was highly successful in this venture and by 1856 he had expanded his runs to include 279,040 acres in the Richmond River and Darling Downs districts.
While developing these properties he continued to spend much of his time in Sydney and was well known in colonial social circles.
However, during this trip he lost his fortune by investing in Spanish railways and subsequently developed pneumonia and died.
He was a tireless local member, who gained government support for improved river navigation, connection to the telegraph service and a gold escort.
During his prolonged trip to England his seat was declared vacant due to absence but, despite still being abroad, he won the subsequent by-election.