The chronology of his advancement through the Honorable East India Company is as follows:[3] In 1786, Petrie set up a private observatory as a geographical and navigational aid in his residence in Egmore, Chennai, India,[2][4] recording the first modern astronomical observations outside Europe on 5 December 1786.

[6] Petrie received his appointment on 29 Nov 1811 probably owing to Archibald Seton being absent on duty with the Java Expedition.

Seton was officially Lieutenant-Governor of Penang from 9 May 1811 to 27 July 1812 but was absent on duty with The Java Expedition from 13 May 1811 until the end.

A number of the “interactions” with the public by the Governors were recorded in the Prince of Wales Island Gazette.

She bore Petrie five children, and later died at her home in Baker Street, London on 20 March 1819.