He enlisted in the Argyll and Bute Militia and served in India, where he was appointed assistant superintendent in the revenue survey.
During the Indian Rebellion of 1857 he was adjutant of the Ahmedabad Koli Corps, Assistant-Superintendent of Police and Assistant Magistrate.
Therefore, 3 September 1866 is considered as the beginning of Sri Lanka Police Service.
In 1872 he was appointed Acting Lieutenant-Governor of Penang, Malaysia, a position he served for one year before returning to his role as Inspector General of Police.
[1] In 1891 he retired and returned to England, where he received a knighthood for his service.