He studied law, was admitted to the bar of Harford County, Maryland, in 1808, and commenced practice the same year.

[1][2] From 1809 to 1810, Archer served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, and was later elected as a Democrat-Republican to the Twelfth United States Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John Montgomery.

During the War of 1812, he was paymaster to the Fortieth Maryland Militia, and was appointed on March 5, 1817, by President James Madison as United States judge for the Territory of Mississippi, with powers of Governor, holding court at St.

In 1844, Archer was appointed by Governor Thomas Pratt as chief justice of the Maryland Court of Appeals and served until his death.

[4] On October 6, 1809, Archer was the first man to be made a Master Mason in Mount Ararat Lodge No.