His mathematical skills landed him with the Great Trigonometric Survey where he was engaged in triangulation of the great longitudinal series until 1857, when he was diverted to garrison duties during the Indian Mutiny.
His exceptional mathematical abilities earned him a position with the Great Trigonometric Survey, where he worked on the longitudinal series triangulation from 1850 to 1857. Unfortunately, his role was temporarily altered due to the Indian Mutiny, which required him to take up garrison duties.