Peter Smith was chief clerk in the Colonial Office. He entered the service as an extra
clerk, 20 August 1810 to 5 April 1816, served as a translator from 5 January 1814
to 5 July 1819, clerk from 5 July 1819 to 28 March 1822, a supernumerary assistant
clerk to 5 January 1824, senior clerk to 1 July 1843, and chief clerk to 1 January
1860, when he retired.
Office-Holders, Colonial Office, p. 48.