He entered the service in 1852, his first winter being spent as a clerk at Pembina (now Emerson), and also as trader in charge at the Long Creek outpost.

From here he was transferred to Fort Rae, and afterwards to Fort Good Hope, Mackenzie River, where he remained six years.

His next post was Fort Anderson, on the Begh-ula, or Anderson River, in the Barren Grounds, which he held for five years, much of his scientific work being done during excursions from this point.

Afterwards he became trader and accountant at Fort Simpson, and was for two years in charge of the Mackenzie River district.

This was succeeded by a six months' residence at Fort Chipewyan, where, subsequently, for fifteen years he had charge of the district.