[4] Soon afterwards he became secretary to Robert Devereux, second earl of Essex, and in 1587 was appointed clerk of the privy council.
In December 1591 he wrote to Cecil urging Essex's claims to the chancellorship of Oxford University.
On 30 September 1597 he received a grant of the clerkship of parliament, in succession to Anthony Wyckes, alias Mason.
[7] On the accession of James I he received further promotion, perhaps owing to his friendship with Carleton, Edmondes, Winwood, and Bacon.
By his will, dated 12 September 1609, Smith left £100 to the poor of Abingdon, and a similar sum to the Bodleian Library.