Henry Roberts was trained as a lawyer; he was appointed chairman of quarter sessions
and chief judge of common pleas in
Jamaica in 1840. He also served as commissioner of education there in 1845, resigning in
1853. He was appointed private secretary to Secretary of State
Newcastle, serving from 17 January 1853 to 12 June 1854; he was undersecretary for war from
December 1854 to March 1865, when he resigned.
Office-Holders, Colonial Office, p. 47, Colonial Office List 1864, p. 201. BCPO 139.7.